'eurypterid-like' originates from Modern English, composed of the noun 'eurypterid' (ultimately from New Latin 'Eurypterus', itself from Greek elements 'eurys' meaning 'broad' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing' or 'fin') and the English adjectival suffix '-like' (from Old English 'lic' meaning 'form, body').

'eurypterid' changed from New Latin 'Eurypterus' (from Greek 'eurys' + 'pteron') into the English scientific noun 'eurypterid', and the suffix '-like' evolved from Old English 'lic' to Middle English '-liche' and then Modern English '-like', producing the compound adjective 'eurypterid-like'.

Initially 'Eurypterus' meant 'broad-winged' (describing the Greek name-giver's perceived shape), then 'eurypterid' came to denote the fossil group commonly called 'sea scorpions', and 'eurypterid-like' developed to mean 'resembling those fossils' in form or features.