'acaudal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cauda,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'cauda' meant 'tail.'

'cauda' transformed into the English word 'caudal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acaudal' by adding the prefix 'a-' to indicate absence.

Initially, it meant 'without a tail,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.