'hypophysis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hypóphysis,' where 'hypo-' meant 'under' and 'phýsis' meant 'growth.'

'hypóphysis' was adopted into Latin as 'hypophysis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hypophysis.'

Initially, it meant 'under growth,' referring to its position under the brain, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.