'interproximal' originates from Latin, specifically the prefix 'inter' and the adjective-form root from 'proximus', where 'inter' meant 'between' and 'proximus' meant 'nearest'.

'interproximal' was formed in modern medical/dental English by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'inter-' with the adjective 'proximal' (from Late Latin/Latin 'proximalis' related to 'proximus'), producing the compound meaning 'between proximal (nearest) parts'; usage is specialized in dentistry and anatomy.

Initially composed of elements meaning 'between' and 'nearest', it evolved into the technical term now meaning 'located between adjacent teeth or adjacent surfaces.'