'anther-bearing' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'anther' + 'bearing', where 'anther' ultimately comes from New Latin 'anthera' (from Greek 'anthos'/'anthēr') meaning 'flower' (specifically the pollen-bearing part) and 'bearing' derives from Old English 'beran' meaning 'to carry'.

'anther' entered English via New Latin 'anthera' (from Greek 'anthēr'/'anthos'), while 'bearing' evolved from Old English 'beran'; in Modern English these elements were compounded to form 'anther-bearing' to describe plants that carry anthers.

Initially the roots referred separately to 'anther' (part of a flower) and 'bearing' (carrying); over time the compound came to be used specifically in botanical contexts to mean 'having or bearing anthers.'