'fumitory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'fumus terrae', where 'fumus' meant 'smoke' and 'terrae' meant 'of the earth'.

'fumus terrae' transformed into the Old French word 'fumeterre', and eventually became the modern English word 'fumitory'.

Initially, it meant 'smoke of the earth', referring to the plant's smoky appearance, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.