'dual-colored' originates from two elements: 'dual' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dualis' (from 'duo'), where 'duo' meant 'two'; and 'colored' originates via Old French from Latin, specifically the word 'colorare'/'color', where 'color' meant 'color'.

'dual' entered English from Latin 'dualis' (via medieval/Latin-influenced forms) and 'colored' changed from Old French 'coloré' into Middle English 'coloured', and the modern compound 'dual-colored' developed by combining these elements in Modern English.

Individually, 'dual' originally referred to 'two' and 'colored' to 'having color'; together they evolved to the compound meaning 'having two colors', the sense used today.