'neutropenic' originates from 'neutrophil,' a type of white blood cell, combined with the suffix '-penic,' which indicates a deficiency.

'neutrophil' comes from the Greek word 'neutros,' meaning 'neutral,' and 'philos,' meaning 'loving.' The suffix '-penic' is derived from the Greek 'penia,' meaning 'poverty' or 'deficiency.'

Initially, it referred to a deficiency in neutrophils, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern medical terminology.