'alexipyretic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alexipyretikos,' where 'alexi-' meant 'warding off' and 'pyretos' meant 'fever.'

'alexipyretikos' transformed into the Latin word 'alexipyreticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alexipyretic.'

Initially, it meant 'warding off fever,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.