'axilemmata' originates from Greek (via New Latin), specifically the elements 'axōn' and 'lēmma', where 'axōn' meant 'axis, axle' and 'lēmma' meant 'husk' or 'shell'.

'axilemmata' developed as the plural form related to the New Latin/Greek anatomical term 'axolemma' (singular) and reflects the Greek-derived plural formation (–mata) used in scientific nomenclature.

Initially, the roots implied a literal 'axon's husk/shell', but over time this evolved into the specialized anatomical meaning 'the plasma membrane of an axon'.