'eutrophication-limiting' is a compound formed from 'eutrophication' (originating from New Latin/Greek) and 'limiting' (originating from Latin). 'eutrophication' comes via scientific New Latin from Greek 'eu-' meaning 'good/well' and 'trophē' meaning 'nourishment'; 'limiting' comes from Latin 'līmitāre/limitem', where the root 'līmes/lim-' referred to a boundary or limit.

'eutrophication' was coined in scientific contexts in the 20th century from 'eutrophic' + the nominalizing suffix '-ation'; 'eutrophic' itself comes from Greek 'eutrophos' meaning 'well-nourished'. 'limit' entered English via Old French and Late Latin (e.g. 'limite', 'līmitare'); combining forms produced the adjective 'limiting'. The compound 'eutrophication-limiting' arises from joining these modern scientific and general English elements to describe measures or properties that limit eutrophication.

Individually, 'eutrophication' historically denotes 'the process of becoming eutrophic (excessively nutrient-enriched)'; 'limit/limiting' denotes placing a boundary or restriction. When combined into 'eutrophication-limiting', the meaning became a descriptive adjective for things that restrict or reduce the process of eutrophication.