'anther' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'anthera', which comes from Greek 'ἀνθήρ' (anthḗr); the Greek root 'anthos' meant 'flower'.

'anther' changed from New Latin 'anthera' (used in botanical Latin) and entered modern English usage via scientific Latin in the late 18th century, eventually becoming the current English word 'anther'.

Initially related to 'flower' (via the Greek root), its meaning narrowed over time to the specific botanical structure 'the pollen-bearing part of a stamen'.