'Turbatrix' originates from New Latin, specifically formed from Latin elements 'turbāre' and the agentive suffix '-trix', where 'turb-' meant 'to disturb' and '-trix' indicated a feminine agent.

'Turbatrix' changed from earlier taxonomic placements (for example, vinegar-eels were once described under the genus 'Anguillula') and eventually became the modern scientific genus name 'Turbatrix' in zoological nomenclature.

Initially the components conveyed the sense 'female disturber' (from Latin roots), but over time the assembled form came to be used neutrally as a taxonomic name for a genus of nematodes.