'alipterion' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀλειπτήριον' (aleiptērion), where 'ἀλείφω' (aleiphō) meant 'to anoint.'

'ἀλειπτήριον' transformed into the Latin word 'alipterium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alipterion.'

Initially, it meant 'a place for anointing,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.