'hypidiomorphic' originates from Greek elements used in modern scientific formation: specifically from 'hypo-' (meaning 'under' or 'less than'), 'idios' (meaning 'own' or 'distinct'), and 'morphē' (meaning 'form').

'hypidiomorphic' was formed by combining the prefix 'hypo-' with 'idiomorphic' in geological/petrographic usage (19th–20th century); 'idiomorphic' itself comes from Greek 'idios' + 'morphē' via New Latin/modern scientific usage.

Initially it denoted 'less than fully idiomorphic' (i.e., not completely euhedral), and it evolved into the specific petrographic meaning 'having partially developed crystal faces (subhedral)'.