The word 'intermittently-visible' is a compound formed from 'intermittently' (from Latin 'intermittere', meaning 'to leave off, interrupt') and 'visible' (from Latin 'visibilis', meaning 'that can be seen').

'Intermittently' comes from Latin 'intermittere', which became 'intermittere' in Medieval Latin, then 'intermit' in Middle English, and 'intermittently' in Modern English. 'Visible' comes from Latin 'visibilis', through Old French 'visible', to Middle English 'visible'. The compound 'intermittently-visible' is a modern English formation.

Initially, 'intermittently' meant 'with interruptions', and 'visible' meant 'able to be seen'. The compound now means 'able to be seen at intervals'.