'basophilic' originates from New Latin/Modern scientific formation, specifically from the word 'basophil' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ic', where 'baso-' meant 'base' and '-phil' (from Greek 'philos') meant 'loving'.

'basophilic' changed from the New Latin word 'basophilus' and the English noun 'basophil' and eventually became the modern English adjective 'basophilic' by addition of the suffix '-ic'.

Initially, it meant 'having an affinity for basic dyes', and over time this technical meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.