'dehusk' is a word formed in English by the prefix 'de-' (from Latin 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'away') attached to the English word 'husk' (meaning the outer covering of seed or fruit).

'husk' appeared in Middle English as 'husk(e)' and 'de-' has long been used in English to form verbs meaning removal; combining them produced the modern English verb 'dehusk'.

Initially it referred specifically to removing the husk from grains or seeds; over time it has retained that core meaning and is used generally for removing an outer shell or covering.