The word 'energy-modifying' is a compound formed from 'energy' and 'modifying.' 'Energy' comes from the Greek word 'energeia,' meaning 'activity or operation,' and 'modifying' comes from the Latin 'modificare,' meaning 'to measure or limit.'

'Energy' entered English via Old French from Greek, and 'modifying' developed from Latin through Old French and Middle English. The compound 'energy-modifying' is a modern English formation.

Initially, the components meant 'to change energy,' and the compound now refers specifically to something that alters energy in some way.