'apothecium' originates from New Latin (scientific Latin), specifically from the Greek word 'ἀποθήκιον' (apothēkion), where 'ἀποθήκη' (apothēkē) meant 'a storehouse' or 'receptacle'.

'apothecium' changed from the Greek word 'apothēkion' into New Latin/Modern Latin as 'apothecium' and then entered modern English scientific usage unchanged as 'apothecium'.

Initially, it meant 'a small repository or receptacle', but over time it evolved into the specialized biological meaning 'a cup- or disk-shaped receptacle bearing asci (a fruiting body)'.