'edge-based' originates from English, combining the noun 'edge' and the past-participial adjective 'based'; 'edge' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ecg', where 'ecg' meant 'edge, border', and 'base' (in 'based') originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'basis', where 'basis' meant 'step, pedestal'.

'edge' changed from Old English 'ecg' to Middle English 'egge' and eventually became the modern English word 'edge'; 'base' came into English via Old French from Late Latin 'basis'; the compound adjective 'edge-based' is a modern English formation influenced by other compound adjectives such as 'cloud-based' or 'sea-based'.

Initially the components referred to a physical 'edge' and a 'base' or foundation; over time the compound 'edge-based' has come to be used especially in technical contexts to mean 'located at or relying on the network edge (edge computing)'.