'anthracolithic' originates from Modern English formation combining Greek elements: specifically the Greek word 'ἄνθραξ' ('anthrax') meaning 'coal' and 'λίθος' ('líthos') meaning 'stone', brought together via the combining form 'anthraco-' and the suffix '-lithic'.

'anthracolithic' was formed in Modern/Scientific English by combining the Greek roots 'anthrax' and 'lithos' (via New Latin/Neo-classical compounds) and follows the pattern of adjectives like 'neolithic' and 'mesolithic' to mean 'coal-stone related'.

Initially built as a literal compound meaning 'coal-stone' (i.e., relating to coal or coal-like stone); it has been used in technical contexts to describe rocks or layers that are anthracite-like or coal-bearing and retains that specialist meaning.