'anapterygote' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'an-' meaning 'without' and 'pterygion' meaning 'little wing', referring to the absence of wings.

'anapterygote' was formed in modern scientific Latin from Greek roots and used in entomological classification, but the term is now largely obsolete as taxonomy has changed.

Initially, it meant 'insects without wings', but over time, as insect classification evolved, the term became obsolete and is now rarely used.