'non-lactating' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lactare,' where 'lact-' meant 'milk.' The prefix 'non-' is used to indicate negation.

'lactare' transformed into the English word 'lactate,' and eventually became the modern English word 'non-lactating' with the addition of the prefix 'non-'.

Initially, it meant 'not producing milk,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.