'angulate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'angulātus' (past participle of 'angulāre'), where 'angulus' meant 'angle, corner' and the suffix '-ātus/-ate' formed adjectives or verbs indicating possession or causing.

'angulātus' passed through Late/Scientific Latin and entered Early Modern English as the adjective and verb 'angulate'.

Initially, it meant 'having angles' (adjectival); later the verbal sense 'to make angular; to bend at an angle' developed and remains in technical use.