'alphitomorphous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alphitomorphos,' where 'alphito-' meant 'barley meal' and '-morphous' meant 'form or shape.'

'alphitomorphos' transformed into the English word 'alphitomorphous' through direct borrowing from Greek.

Initially, it meant 'having the form or appearance of barley meal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.