'perfume' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perfumare,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'fumare' meant 'to smoke.'

'perfumare' transformed into the Old French word 'parfumer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'perfume' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to smoke through,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a pleasant scent or fragrance.'