'anthraxylon' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the words 'anthrax' and 'xylon', where 'anthrax' meant 'coal' and 'xylon' meant 'wood'.

'anthraxylon' is a Neo-Latin/scientific coinage formed from Greek elements ('anthrax' + 'xylon') and entered English usage in scientific contexts (particularly paleobotany and geology) in the 19th–20th century.

Initially it meant literally 'coal-wood' (wood turned into coal or charred wood); over time it became a technical term referring to charcoalified or fossilized wood remains.