'medusa' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Medusa,' which was derived from the Greek word 'Μέδουσα,' meaning 'guardian' or 'protectress.'

'Μέδουσα' transformed into the Latin word 'Medusa,' and eventually became the modern English word 'medusa.'

Initially, it referred to the mythological figure, but over time it also came to describe a stage in the life cycle of jellyfish.