'diorite' originates from the French word 'diorite', which was derived from the Greek word 'diorizein', meaning 'to distinguish'.

'diorite' changed from the Greek word 'diorizein' to the French word 'diorite', and eventually became the modern English word 'diorite'.

Initially, it meant 'to distinguish', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of igneous rock'.