'nature-inspired' originates from the combination of 'nature' and 'inspired', where 'nature' refers to the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations, and 'inspired' means to be influenced or motivated by something.

'nature-inspired' is a modern term that combines the words 'nature' and 'inspired', reflecting a growing trend towards sustainability and eco-consciousness in design and innovation.

Initially, it meant 'influenced by nature', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.