'deoxidized' originates from the prefix 'de-' (Latin) combined with the verb 'oxidize' (English), where 'de-' meant 'removal' and 'oxidize' ultimately derives from French 'oxyder' and Modern Latin 'oxydare' (from Greek elements).

'deoxidized' changed from the verb 'deoxidize' formed by adding Latin prefix 'de-' to English 'oxidize' (itself from French 'oxyde' / Modern Latin 'oxydare' derived from Greek 'oxys' and '-genes'); the past participle form 'deoxidized' came into use as both a verb form and an adjective.

Initially, the element 'oxidize' concerned forming an 'oxide' (introducing oxygen); the prefixed form 'deoxidize' was coined to mean 'remove oxygen' and that meaning has largely remained unchanged into modern usage.