'balneotechnics' originates from Greek and Latin elements, specifically the Greek word 'balaneion' (via Latin 'balneum') meaning 'bath' and the Greek 'tekhnē' meaning 'art' or 'skill', combined in modern formation.

'balneotechnics' was formed in Modern English by combining the prefix 'balneo-' (from Latin 'balneum', from Greek 'balaneion') with 'technics' (from Greek 'tekhnē'); the composite appears in 19th–20th century medical and spa literature as a technical term for bath-related techniques.

Initially it referred more narrowly to techniques of bath construction and the practical arts of bathing facilities; over time it has come to denote the medical or therapeutic techniques and practices of using baths for health (balneotherapy).