'hysteretic' originates from Modern Latin/English, specifically the word 'hysteresis', where 'hystērēsis' (Greek) meant 'a falling behind' or 'delay'.

'hysteretic' changed from the Modern Latin/Greek noun 'hysteresis' and the adjective-forming suffix (‑etic), eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'hysteretic'.

Initially, the root referred to 'delay' or 'falling behind'; over time it evolved into the technical sense of 'exhibiting hysteresis, i.e. dependence on past states' and, more rarely, an emotional sense related to 'hysteria'.