'anacrustic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anákrousis,' where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'krousis' meant 'a striking.'

'anákrousis' transformed into the Latin word 'anacrusis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anacrustic.'

Initially, it referred to the act of striking up or beginning, but over time it evolved into its current meaning related to the rhythmic structure in poetry.