'arenicole' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Arenicola', where 'arena' meant 'sand' and the element '-cola' meant 'dweller'.

'arenicole' changed from the New Latin scientific name 'Arenicola' (and was also reflected in French 'arénicole') and eventually became the modern English word 'arenicole'.

Initially, it meant 'sand-dweller', but over time it evolved into its current specific usage as 'a lugworm (a marine annelid)'.