'nonhemolytic' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') and 'hemolytic' (from 'hemolysis'), where 'hemolysis' comes from Greek 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'lysis' meaning 'loosening' or 'breaking down'.

'nonhemolytic' formed in Modern English by prefixing 'non-' to the adjective 'hemolytic' (which itself derives from 'hemolysis' from Greek roots); it did not pass through a distinct medieval English form as a single compound but is a modern compositional formation.

Initially, the element 'hemolytic' meant 'causing hemolysis (destruction of blood cells)', and the prefix 'non-' negates that, so the combined term has meant 'not causing hemolysis' in formation and has retained that meaning in usage.