'acidiferous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acidifer,' where 'acidus' meant 'sour' and '-ferous' meant 'bearing or producing.'

'acidifer' transformed into the English word 'acidiferous' during the 17th century, maintaining its meaning related to producing or containing acid.

Initially, it meant 'bearing or producing acid,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.