'amylophosphate' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amylon,' where 'amyl-' meant 'starch,' and 'phosphate' refers to the chemical group containing phosphorus.

'amylon' transformed into the modern English word 'amyl,' and eventually combined with 'phosphate' to form 'amylophosphate.'

Initially, it referred to a starch-related compound, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.