'hypoxic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hypo,' where 'hypo-' meant 'under' and 'oxys' meant 'sharp or acid.'

'hypo-' combined with 'oxys' in Greek to form 'hypoxia,' which eventually became the modern English word 'hypoxic.'

Initially, it meant 'under sharp or acid conditions,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'deficient in oxygen.'