'antero-pygidial' originates from Neo-Latin/Modern scientific formation, specifically from the combining form 'antero-' (from Latin 'ante', meaning 'before, in front') and 'pygidial' ultimately from Greek 'pyge' via Latin 'pygidium', where 'pyge' meant 'rump'.

'pygidium' entered scientific Latin from Greek 'pygidion' (a diminutive of 'pyge'), and the Latin prefix 'ante' produced the combining form 'antero-' in Neo-Latin anatomical usage; these elements were combined in scientific descriptions (as 'antero-pygidial') and then adopted into English technical vocabulary.

Initially it meant 'toward the front of the pygidium' in anatomical descriptions, and this core anatomical meaning has been retained in modern scientific usage.