'anastigmatic' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'an-' meaning 'not' and 'astigma' meaning 'a spot or mark', with the suffix '-ic' forming an adjective.

'anastigmatic' was formed in the late 19th century in English, based on the scientific need to describe lenses that correct astigmatism, from Greek roots.

Initially, it meant 'not producing astigmatism', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'correcting or eliminating astigmatism in optical systems'.