'azymous' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'azymus', where the Greek prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and the root 'zymē' (or 'zumos') meant 'leaven'.

'azymous' changed from Medieval/Church Latin word 'azymus' (borrowed from Greek) and eventually became the modern English adjective 'azymous'.

Initially, it meant 'unleavened' (specifically bread used without yeast); over time the meaning has remained largely the same and is used chiefly in religious or historical contexts.