'glossa' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'γλῶσσα' (glôssa), where 'glôssa' meant 'tongue' or 'language'.

'γλῶσσα' transformed into the Latin word 'glossa', and eventually became the modern English word 'glossa'.

Initially, it meant 'tongue' or 'language', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a tongue or lingual structure, especially in insects'.