'nephroprotective' originates from Greek and Latin, specifically the Greek word 'nephros' where 'nephr-' meant 'kidney', and the Latin word 'protegere' where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'tegere' meant 'to cover'.

'nephroprotective' developed as a modern medical compound word combining the Greek combining form 'nephro-' (from 'nephros') with the English adjective 'protective' (derived from Latin 'protegere'), forming the technical term used in 20th–21st century medical English.

Initially the elements meant 'kidney' (nephro-) and 'to cover/protect' (protective); combined in modern usage they mean 'protecting the kidneys' in reference to drugs or interventions.