'amphidesmous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphidesmos,' where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'desmos' meant 'bond' or 'ligament.'

'amphidesmos' transformed into the modern English word 'amphidesmous' through scientific Latin.

Initially, it meant 'having a bond on both sides,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern zoological usage.