'isodontism' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'isos' and 'odous/odont-', where 'isos' meant 'equal' and 'odous/odont-' meant 'tooth'; the suffix '-ism' is used in New Latin/English to form a noun indicating a condition or practice.

'isodontism' was formed in scientific/technical usage (New Latin/Modern scientific coinage) from Greek roots ('isos' + 'odont-') and the noun-forming suffix '-ism', entering English as a term in zoology and paleontology (compare earlier forms such as 'isodontia').

Initially it meant 'the state of having equal teeth', and over time it has retained that specialized anatomical meaning in modern usage.