'ananepionic' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'ana-' meaning 'up, again' and 'nepion' meaning 'infant' or 'child', with the suffix '-ic' forming an adjective.

'ananepionic' was formed in modern scientific English from Greek roots to describe something in a very early or embryonic stage.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to an infant or very early stage', and this meaning has remained consistent in scientific usage.