'androgen-producing' originates from Modern English, formed by combining 'androgen' (from Greek roots 'andr-' meaning 'man' and '-gen' meaning 'to produce' or 'beget') and the verb 'produce' (from Latin 'producere' meaning 'to lead forth').

'androgen' was coined in scientific/medical usage in the early 20th century from Greek elements to name substances that produce male characteristics; 'produce' comes from Latin 'producere' via Old French and Middle English; the compound adjective 'androgen-producing' developed in modern medical English to describe tissues or tumors that generate androgens.

Initially 'androgen' referred broadly to agents that produce male characteristics; over time it came to mean specifically the class of male sex hormones (for example testosterone). The sense of 'producing' as generating or creating has remained consistent.