'aneroidograph' originates from French and Greek roots, specifically from 'anéroïde' (meaning 'not containing liquid') and Greek 'graphō' meaning 'to write'.

'aneroidograph' was formed in the 19th century by combining 'aneroid' and '-graph', and entered English scientific vocabulary as a term for a recording barometer.

Initially, it referred specifically to a device that records atmospheric pressure using an aneroid mechanism, and this meaning has remained consistent.