'anilino-philic' is a modern compound formed from 'anilino-' (from 'aniline') and the suffix '-philic' (from Greek 'philos' meaning 'loving' or 'having an affinity for').

'aniline' itself was coined in the 19th century (ultimately related to Spanish 'anil' for indigo), and chemical combining forms like '-philic' derive from Greek 'philos' via New Latin/chemical nomenclature; these elements were joined in modern chemical usage to form terms such as 'anilino-philic'.

Originally the roots meant 'aniline-related' and 'loving/affinity'; combined in modern chemistry the term means 'showing affinity for aniline or anilino groups', a usage consistent with the original components.