'atomy' originates from Greek, specifically from the word 'atomos' (ἀτόμος), where the prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and 'tomos' meant 'cutting' (so 'uncuttable' or 'indivisible').

'atomy' entered English via Medieval and Early Modern forms such as Middle English 'atomie' (from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'atomia'), and eventually the modern English form 'atomy' was used in both scientific and literary contexts.

Initially, it referred to the indivisible particle (an 'atom') in philosophical contexts; over time it also acquired literary or archaic senses (e.g., a skeleton or mere remnant) and survives today both as a rare vocabulary item and as a modern trademark/name.