'attractor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'attrahere,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'trahere' meant 'draw'.

'attrahere' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'attractare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'attractor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who draws or pulls something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a thing that attracts or a set toward which a system tends to evolve.'