'nociceptor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nocere,' where 'noc-' meant 'to harm' and 'ceptor' is derived from 'receptor,' meaning 'receiver.'

'nocere' transformed into the modern English word 'nociceptor' through scientific terminology development.

Initially, it meant 'a receptor for harmful stimuli,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.