'maintainable' originates from the Latin word 'manutenere,' where 'manu-' meant 'hand' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'manutenere' transformed into the Old French word 'maintenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'maintain' with the suffix '-able' added to form 'maintainable.'

Initially, it meant 'to hold in hand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'capable of being maintained.'