'halophilous' originates from New Latin/Modern scientific formation and ultimately from Greek, specifically the Greek words 'hálos' where 'hálos' meant 'salt' and 'phílos' where 'phílos' meant 'loving'.

'halophilous' developed from New Latin coinages such as 'halophilus/halophila' (formed from Greek roots) and was adopted into English scientific vocabulary as 'halophilous'.

Initially it meant 'salt-loving' in the sense of 'having an affinity for salt,' and over time it has retained that specialized biological meaning referring to organisms adapted to saline conditions.