'anthoid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthos', where 'anth-' meant 'flower' and the combining form '-oid' (from Greek '-oeidḗs') meant 'resembling'.

'anthoid' came into English formation via New Latin/Scientific Latin (e.g. 'anthoides' from Greek 'anthoîdēs') and was adopted into English as the adjective 'anthoid' meaning 'flower-like'.

Initially it meant 'resembling a flower' in technical and scientific descriptions, and this basic meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.