'homopodous' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically from Greek elements where 'homo-' meant 'same' and 'pous' (or 'pod-') meant 'foot'.

'homopodous' was formed in New Latin from Greek roots (combining 'hom(o)-' + 'pod-'/'pous') for scientific use and then entered English usage through scientific Latin terminology.

Initially it meant 'having equal or similar feet,' and this specific zoological meaning has largely remained unchanged in modern usage.