'pollen' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pollen,' where 'pollen' meant 'fine flour or dust.' 'Containing' comes from Latin 'continere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'pollen' remained largely unchanged from Latin to modern English. 'Containing' evolved from the Latin 'continere' to the Old French 'contenir,' and eventually became the modern English 'contain.'

Initially, 'pollen' meant 'fine flour or dust,' but over time it evolved to specifically refer to the fine powdery substance in flowers. 'Containing' has largely retained its meaning of 'holding within.'