'epicondylitis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epikondylos,' where 'epi-' meant 'upon' and 'kondylos' meant 'knuckle or joint.'

'epikondylos' transformed into the Latin word 'epicondylus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'epicondylitis.'

Initially, it meant 'inflammation of the joint area,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.