'apinoid' originates from English formation combining 'ape' and the suffix '-oid', where '-oid' meant 'resembling' (from Greek '-oeidēs').

'apinoid' was formed in modern English by attaching the classical suffix '-oid' (via Latin/Greek influence) to the word 'ape', producing the sense 'ape-like'; the suffix itself derives from Greek '-oeidēs' and entered English through scientific Latin usage.

Initially coined to mean 'resembling an ape' in scientific or descriptive contexts; it has retained that core meaning, though its use is mostly specialized or descriptive rather than common.