'aphonic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀφωνος' (aphōnos), where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice'.

'aphonic' changed from Late Latin/medical Latin 'aphonicus' and through New Latin entered English as the modern adjective 'aphonic'.

Initially, it meant 'without voice', and over time it has retained the same basic meaning of 'voiceless; lacking vocal sound'.