'arborical' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arbor', where 'arbor' meant 'tree'; the English adjective is formed with the suffix '-ical' (from Late Latin/Greek-derived adjectival formations).

'arborical' is built on Latin 'arbor' (tree) via Medieval/Neo-Latin adjectival forms such as 'arboralis'/'arboreal-', which yielded English variants like 'arboral'/'arborial' and ultimately the rarer modern adjectival form 'arborical'.

Initially, related forms meant 'of or pertaining to a tree'; over time the meaning has remained essentially the same, signifying 'relating to trees' or 'tree-like.'