'apoplectiform' originates from English, specifically the word 'apoplectic' + the suffix '-form', where 'apoplectic' referred to 'relating to apoplexy' (from Greek/Latin origins) and '-form' meant 'shape or form'.

'apoplectiform' derived from the adjective 'apoplectic', which in turn comes from Latin 'apoplexia' and Greek 'apoplēxis' (ἀπόπληξις). The combining element '-form' comes via Late Latin 'forma'; these elements combined in English to produce 'apoplectiform'.

Initially, related words referred to being 'struck down' (the original sense of 'apoplexy'); over time the compound meaning shifted to 'resembling or characteristic of apoplexy' rather than solely 'causing' or 'being struck by' it.