'anamniote' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Anamniota', where the prefix 'a-' meant 'without' and 'amnion' meant 'membrane around the embryo (amniotic membrane)'.

'anamniote' changed from New Latin 'Anamniota' (itself formed from Greek components 'a-' + 'amnion') and eventually became the modern English word 'anamniote'.

Initially it meant 'without an amnion'; over time it has remained a technical term in zoology with essentially the same meaning, referring to non-amniote vertebrates.