'apothecial' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'apothecium', where the element 'apothēk-' (from Greek) originally meant 'a repository' (a store/place) and the suffix '-ium' formed a noun.

'apothecial' developed as an adjective from New Latin 'apothecium' (itself from Greek elements) and was adopted into English scientific/mycological usage to describe structures resembling or relating to an 'apothecium'.

Initially formed from a term whose root suggested a 'container' or 'repository', the word's usage specialized in biology/mycology to mean 'relating to the cup-shaped fruiting body (apothecium)'; the modern sense is primarily mycological.