'oxygen' originates from French, specifically the word 'oxygène,' where 'oxy-' meant 'sharp' and '-gène' meant 'producer.'

'oxygène' was coined in the late 18th century by Antoine Lavoisier, and eventually became the modern English word 'oxygen.'

Initially, it referred to a substance that produced acids, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a life-sustaining element.