'argilliferous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'argilla' and the suffix '-ferous', where 'argilla' meant 'clay' and '-ferous' meant 'bearing' (from Latin 'ferre', 'to bear').

'argilliferous' was formed in English from the Latin element 'argilla' combined with the adjectival suffix '-ferous' (via New Latin/technical formation) and entered English as a technical geological adjective meaning 'clay-bearing'.

Initially it meant 'bearing or containing clay,' and this technical meaning has been retained in modern usage to describe clay-rich rocks or deposits.