'anodize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anodos', where 'anod-' meant 'upward path' (used in the sense of 'anode' in electrochemistry) combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from French/Latin chemical/verb-forming usage).

'anodize' was formed in English in the 19th century from the noun 'anode' (coined earlier in scientific usage from Greek 'anodos') plus the suffix '-ize'; scientific coinage produced 'anode' and then the verb 'anodize' to describe treating a metal at the anode or producing an oxide film.

Initially tied to the idea of use of an 'anode' or treating at an anode, it evolved to the specific technical meaning 'to produce or coat with an oxide film by electrochemical means' used today.