'anthesis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἄνθησις' (anthēsis), where the root 'anth-' (from Greek 'anthos') meant 'flower' and the suffix '-esis' meant 'action or process'.

'anthesis' was taken from Greek into New/Modern Latin (as 'anthesis') and entered English as a scientific botanical term in the 19th century, keeping its form and specialized meaning.

Initially, it meant 'flowering' or 'a blossoming', and over time it has remained a technical botanical term meaning 'the period or act of a flower opening and being functional.'