'communicable' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'communicabilis,' where 'communicare' meant 'to share.'

'communicabilis' transformed into the French word 'communicable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'communicable' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'able to be shared or communicated,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'able to be transmitted, especially in the context of diseases.'