'anilinctus' originates from Latin elements, specifically the genitive 'ani' from 'anus' meaning 'of the anus,' and 'linctus' meaning 'a licking' (from 'lingere' 'to lick').

'anilinctus' was coined in modern English from Latin roots, modeled after the related term 'anilingus,' and entered medical and sexological vocabulary as a technical description of the act.

Initially, it meant 'licking of the anus,' and this literal sense has remained the same in modern usage.