'descriptor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'describere,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'scribere' meant 'to write.'

'describere' transformed into the French word 'descripteur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'descriptor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to write down or describe,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a word or phrase used to describe or identify something.'