'anodos' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀνοδος', where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'hodos' meant 'way'.

'anodos' changed from the Ancient Greek word 'ἀνοδος' and was borrowed into English (19th century) as the transliterated form 'anodos'; related scientific coinages (for example 'anode') were later formed from the same Greek root.

Initially, it meant 'a way up' or 'ascent', but over time the root gave rise to technical senses (e.g. 'anode' in electricity) while the rare literary use retained the original sense of 'ascent' or a symbolic upward journey.