'azoic' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'azoicum', where the prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and the element 'zoic' derived from Greek 'zoion' meaning 'living being'.

'azoic' was formed in the 19th century in geological and biological literature from New Latin 'azoicum' (Greek elements 'a-' + 'zoion') and entered English usage as 'azoic' to describe eras or rocks thought to be without life.

Initially it meant 'without life' specifically for geological periods before known life; over time the strict geological usage has declined as evidence of early life pushed origins earlier, but it remains in general use to mean 'lifeless'.