'hirsutism' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'hirsutismus', where 'hirsutus' meant 'hairy' and the suffix '-ism' indicated a condition or state.

'hirsutism' changed from the Latin/New Latin word 'hirsutismus', which derived from Latin 'hirsutus' ('hairy'), and eventually became the modern English medical term 'hirsutism'.

Initially, it meant 'hairiness' in a general sense, but over time it evolved into its current medical meaning of 'excessive, typically male-pattern hair growth (especially in women)'.