'anti-tryptic' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) meaning 'against' and 'tryptic' from 'trypsin' (Greek 'trýein'/'trýpsa') where the root meant 'to rub' or 'to wear away'.

'anti-' (Greek) was combined with the adjective-forming element from 'trypsin' to produce 'antitryptic' in scientific/medical English; the hyphenated form 'anti-tryptic' is a modern orthographic variant of the same compound.

Initially formed to denote action 'against trypsin' in biochemical contexts; its core meaning of 'opposing or inhibiting trypsin' has been maintained in modern usage.