'epazote' originates from Nahuatl, specifically the word 'epazotl', where 'epatl' meant 'skunk' and 'tzotl' meant 'sweat'.

'epazotl' transformed into the Spanish word 'epazote', and eventually became the modern English word 'epazote'.

Initially, it referred to the plant itself, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.