'arecaceous' originates from New Latin 'Arecaceae', specifically from the genus name 'Areca', where 'Areca' referred to the palm genus.

'arecaceous' was formed in modern English from New Latin 'Arecaceae' + the adjectival suffix '-ous', producing an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to Arecaceae (palms)'.

Initially it referred specifically to the genus 'Areca' or members of the palm family; it has come to mean more generally 'relating to or resembling palms (Arecaceae)'.