The Spanish word 'nudista' (meaning 'nudist') has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word 'nudus' meaning 'naked', which itself may be related to the Latin 'nodus' meaning 'knot'. The Spanish adjective 'nudo' (naked) comes directly from Latin 'nudus'. The word 'nudismo' (nudism) was formed by combining 'nudo' with the suffix '-ismo' which indicates a doctrine or system. Finally, 'nudista' was created by adding the suffix '-ista', which refers to a practitioner or follower, to 'nudismo'.

A simpler related Spanish word is 'nudo' meaning 'naked'. This basic adjective directly preserves the meaning of the Latin root 'nudus'. Understanding this connection can help you remember that a 'nudista' is someone who practices going without clothes.

The English words 'nude' and 'naked' are cognates with Spanish 'nudo', all coming from the same Latin root 'nudus'. The English word 'nudist' is a direct parallel to Spanish 'nudista', both being formed with similar patterns: taking the root meaning 'naked' and adding suffixes to create a word for someone who practices nudism.