'humaniform' originates from New/Modern Latin elements, specifically from Latin 'humanus' (meaning 'of man, human') combined with Latin 'forma' (meaning 'shape, form').

'humaniform' developed via New Latin compounding (e.g. 'humaniformis') and was adopted into English as a compound adjective meaning 'having human form.'

Initially formed simply to denote 'having the shape of a human,' its meaning has remained largely the same, used chiefly in technical, literary, or descriptive contexts.