'epimorphous' originates from Greek, specifically from the elements 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'morphē' meaning 'form', combined in scientific coinages (via New Latin) to describe forms or processes related to 'being formed upon' or 'form-related' phenomena.

'epimorphous' was formed in modern scientific usage from Greek elements (often through New Latin/Neo-Latin formations such as 'epimorphosis' and 'epimorphos') and entered English as a technical adjective used chiefly in biological contexts.

Initially constructed to mean 'having or formed upon a form' from its Greek parts, its usage became specialized in biology to refer to processes or structures associated with epimorphosis (regeneration by new tissue growth).