'subtract' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'subtrahere,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'trahere' meant 'to pull.'

'subtrahere' transformed into the Old French word 'soustraire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'subtract' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to pull away from underneath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to take away a number or amount from another.'