'balanoid' originates from New Latin, specifically from 'Balanoidea' and related New Latin formations, where 'balan-' derives from Greek 'balanos' meaning 'acorn' and the suffix '-oid' meant 'resembling'.

'balanoid' developed from the New Latin taxonomic/derivative use based on Greek 'balanos' ('acorn'), via the Latinized genus name 'Balanus' (used for acorn barnacles), and entered English as a descriptive term for barnacle-like forms.

Initially associated with the Greek notion of 'acorn' and applied in taxonomy to acorn-shaped crustaceans; over time it came to mean 'relating to or resembling barnacles' in general usage.