'auxographic' originates from Greek roots: the prefix 'auxo-' from Ancient Greek 'auxein' meaning 'to increase' and the suffix '-graphic' from Greek 'graphein' meaning 'to write' or 'to record'.

'auxo-' + '-graphic' is a modern scientific coinage (late 19th to 20th century) formed from the combining of Greek elements; these produced related nouns such as 'auxograph' and 'auxography', from which the adjective 'auxographic' was formed.

Initially used to indicate 'pertaining to recording increases or growth'; this technical meaning has largely been retained in modern usage.