'ammocoetoid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ammocoetes,' where 'ammo-' meant 'sand' and 'koites' meant 'dweller.'

'ammocoetes' transformed into the scientific term 'ammocoetoid' to describe features resembling the larval stage of lampreys.

Initially, it meant 'sand dweller,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'resembling an ammocoete.'