'axotomous' originates from modern English, specifically from the word 'axotomy' with the suffix '-ous', where '-ous' meant 'pertaining to'.

'axotomy' itself is formed from Greek 'axōn' (ὄξων/ἄξων) meaning 'axis, axle' (used for 'axon' in anatomy) and Greek 'tomia' (τομία) meaning 'cutting'; the medical term 'axotomy' entered English usage and 'axotomous' was subsequently formed to mean 'relating to axotomy'.

Initially it referred specifically to the act of cutting an axon ('axotomy'); over time derivatives like 'axotomous' came to mean 'relating to or resulting from that cutting' and to describe neurons or tissues affected by axotomy.