'achondroplasia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'achondroplasia,' where 'a-' meant 'without,' 'chondro-' meant 'cartilage,' and 'plasia' meant 'formation.'

'achondroplasia' has remained largely unchanged from its Greek origins, maintaining its meaning related to cartilage formation.

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