'ancyroid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ankura' meaning 'anchor' and the suffix '-oid' meaning 'like' or 'resembling.'

'ankura' and '-oid' combined in scientific Latin to form 'ancyroid,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ancyroid.'

Initially, it meant 'resembling an anchor or hook,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.