'anti-meristematic' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') combined with 'meristematic' (from 'meristem' + adjectival suffix '-atic'). 'Meristem' comes from Greek 'meristos'/'merizein' meaning 'to divide.'

The component 'meristem' was coined in botanical/Latin usage to name plant dividing tissues ('meristem'), then became English 'meristem' and the adjective 'meristematic'. In modern scientific English, the prefix 'anti-' was attached to create the compound 'anti-meristematic.'

Initially the elements carry the sense 'against division' (anti- + meristem 'dividing tissue'); in current usage it specifically means 'inhibiting meristem activity' (preventing cell division/growth at meristems).