'anvil-formed' originates from English, specifically the noun 'anvil' and the past participle 'formed' (from the verb 'form'), where 'anvil' meant the metalworking tool and 'form' meant 'shape' or 'to give shape to'.

'anvil-formed' is a modern English compound created by joining 'anvil' + 'formed', following a productive pattern seen in compounds like 'heart-shaped' or 'hand-crafted'. It developed as a descriptive adjective by analogy with such compounds.

Initially used to indicate something made on or by an anvil, its usage has commonly narrowed to describe objects or features that are 'shaped like an anvil.'