'Apocrita' originates from Modern (New) Latin taxonomic usage, ultimately from Greek elements: 'apo-' meaning 'away, off' and a form related to 'krinein' meaning 'to separate or decide'.

'Apocrita' was adopted in New Latin for taxonomy (19th century entomology) from Greek roots; the term entered scientific literature as the name for the suborder of Hymenoptera and has been used in that sense in modern entomology.

Initially the Greek components conveyed the sense of 'separated' or 'set apart'; over time the compound became a formal taxonomic name referring specifically to the group of Hymenoptera with a distinct (narrowed) waist.