'current-detecting' originates from Modern English compounding of 'current' and 'detecting'. 'current' ultimately originates from Latin, specifically the word 'currens' (present participle of 'currere'), where 'currere' meant 'to run'. 'detecting' derives from Latin 'detegere' (de- + tegere), where 'de-' meant 'away/from' and 'tegere' meant 'to cover', giving the sense 'to uncover'.

'current' changed from Latin 'currens' into Old French forms and Middle English 'current', and eventually became the modern English word 'current' with senses including 'that which runs' (flow) and 'present time'. 'Detect' came from Latin 'detegere', passed into Late Latin/Old French as forms meaning 'to uncover' or 'discover', and entered English as 'detect' (with present participle 'detecting'). The compound 'current-detecting' is a straightforward modern English compound combining these elements.

Initially, 'current' related to 'running/flow' and 'detect' meant 'to uncover' or 'discover'; over time 'current' gained the extended sense of 'present' and 'flow', and 'detect' broadened to 'sense' or 'measure'. Combined, 'current-detecting' now specifically conveys 'sensing or measuring a flow (especially electrical or fluid flow)'.