'strophanthin' originates from the German word 'Strophanthin', which was derived from the genus name 'Strophanthus', where 'strophos' meant 'twisted' and 'anthos' meant 'flower' in Greek.

'Strophanthus' was adopted into German as 'Strophanthin', and eventually became the modern English word 'strophanthin'.

Initially, it referred to the plant genus, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a cardiac stimulant derived from the plant.