'apotelesmatic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apotélesma' (ἀποτέλεσμα), where the prefix 'apo-' meant 'away/from' and the root 'telos' meant 'end/result'.

'apotelesmatic' changed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms based on Greek 'apotélesma' and Medieval Latin 'apotelesmaticus' and eventually entered modern English as 'apotelesmatic'.

Initially, it referred to an 'effect' or 'result' (especially an astrological outcome); over time it has retained this sense of 'producing an effect' and is used adjectivally to mean 'efficacious' or 'result-bearing'.