'aurigerous' originates from Latin, specifically from 'aurum' meaning 'gold' and a formative element related to 'gerere' meaning 'to carry', combined with the English adjectival suffix '-ous.'

'aurigerous' was formed in English from New Latin elements (compare Latin 'auriger' meaning 'gold-bearing' or 'gold-bearer') and the suffix '-ous' to produce an adjective meaning 'bearing gold.'

Initially it meant 'bearing or carrying gold' in a literal, mineralogical sense, and it has retained that core meaning in modern usage as 'gold-bearing.'