'diphosphate' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phosphoros,' where 'phos-' meant 'light' and '-phoros' meant 'bearing.'

'phosphoros' transformed into the French word 'phosphate,' and eventually became the modern English word 'phosphate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'bearing light,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a compound containing phosphate groups.'