'protocol' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'prōtokollon,' where 'prōto-' meant 'first' and 'kollon' meant 'glue.'

'prōtokollon' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'protocollum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'protocol.'

Initially, it meant 'the first sheet of a papyrus roll,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a system of rules or procedures.'