'azoth' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'azothus', ultimately influenced by Arabic (with the article) 'al-zābūq' meaning 'mercury' or a mercury-like substance.

'azoth' changed from Medieval Latin word 'azothus' (itself derived via contact with Arabic) and eventually became the modern English word 'azoth' (plural 'azoths').

Initially, it referred to 'mercury' or a mercurial/alchemical principle; over time it came to mean the alchemical 'universal agent' or 'universal solvent' associated with transformation and the philosopher's stone.