'anatriptic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anatriptikos,' where 'ana-' meant 'up, again' and 'triptikos' meant 'of rubbing.'

'anatriptikos' was adopted into Late Latin as 'anatripticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anatriptic.'

Initially, it meant 'relating to rubbing or friction for healing,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.