'atheromata' originates from New Latin (plural of 'atheroma'), ultimately from Greek, specifically the word 'athēroma', where 'athēr' meant 'porridge' or 'gruel' and the suffix '-oma' meant 'tumor' or 'swelling'.

'atheromata' changed from Greek 'athēroma' to New Latin 'atheroma' and eventually entered modern English usage as the plural form 'atheromata' of 'atheroma'.

Initially, it meant 'a porridge-like swelling or tumor', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'fatty deposits or plaques in the arterial wall'.