'smyrnium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'smyrnium', which was derived from the Greek word 'σμύρνιον' (smyrnion), meaning 'myrrh-like plant'.

'σμύρνιον' transformed into the Latin word 'smyrnium', and eventually became the modern English word 'smyrnium'.

Initially, it referred to a plant with a myrrh-like scent, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.