'anorexigen' originates from Greek elements, specifically the prefix 'an-' meaning 'without' and the Greek 'orexis' meaning 'appetite', combined with the suffix '-gen' meaning 'that which produces' or 'cause'.

'anorexigen' was formed in modern medical/chemical coinage by combining 'anorexia' (loss of appetite) with the suffix '-gen' and entered English as a technical term for agents that cause appetite loss.

Initially the components signified 'producing anorexia', and over time the term has come to be used specifically for 'an appetite-suppressing agent or drug'.