'astereognosis' originates from Greek via New Latin, specifically from the prefix 'a-' (privative) and the elements 'stereon' meaning 'solid' and 'gnōsis' meaning 'knowledge'.

'astereognosis' was coined in modern medical/neurological terminology from the Greek elements (through Neo-Latin formation) and entered English medical usage in the late 19th to early 20th century.

Initially formed to denote the absence of knowledge of solid objects by touch; this technical meaning has been preserved in medical usage.