'antiscale' is a modern compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and the noun 'scale' (in the sense of mineral deposit).

'antiscale' emerged in technical and industrial English in the 20th century as a compound (often alongside variants like 'antiscalant'), used to name chemicals or devices that act against scale formation.

Originally a straightforward compound meaning 'against scale,' it has come to be used specifically to refer to commercial chemical agents or design features that prevent mineral deposits.