'magic-based' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by combining the noun 'magic' and the past-participial adjective 'based', where 'magic' ultimately traces back to Old Persian 'maguš' (the Magi, associated with sorcery) and 'base' comes from Latin 'basis' meaning 'foundation'.

'magic' entered English via Old French 'magie' and Latin 'magia', which derived from Greek 'magia' and Old Persian 'maguš'; 'base' (and its verb/adjective forms) comes from Latin 'basis' via Old French and Middle English, with 'based' formed as the past-participial/adjectival use of 'base' in Modern English. The compound 'magic-based' is a straightforward modern formation combining these elements.

Initially, 'magic' referred to the practices or arts associated with the Magi (sorcery) and 'base' meant 'foundation'; over time the compound came to mean 'having its foundation in magic' or 'dependent on magical forces', a literal compositional meaning that remains stable.