'aryepiglottic' originates from New Latin, specifically the combination of 'ary-' (from 'arytenoid') and 'epiglottic', where 'arytenoid' ultimately comes from Greek 'arytēnoeidēs' (meaning 'ladle-shaped') and 'epiglottic' comes from Greek 'epi-' (meaning 'upon') + 'glōtta' (meaning 'tongue').

'aryepiglottic' was formed in modern anatomical terminology by combining the elements 'ary-' and 'epiglottic' to name the fold connecting the arytenoid cartilages and the epiglottis; the term appears in 19th–20th century anatomical literature and remains in current clinical use.

Initially used to name the anatomical fold or structures directly connecting the arytenoids and the epiglottis, and over time it has retained that specific anatomical sense in modern medical usage.