'meteoric' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'meteōros,' where 'meta-' meant 'beyond' and 'aeirein' meant 'to lift.'

'meteōros' transformed into the Latin word 'meteoricus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'meteoric' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to atmospheric phenomena,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings related to meteors and rapid development.