'nonhysteretic' is formed from the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') + 'hysteretic', which derives from 'hysteresis' plus the adjectival suffix '-etic'. 'hysteresis' comes from Greek 'hystérésis' meaning 'a coming later'.

'hysteresis' entered English via Modern Latin and scientific usage from Greek 'hystérésis'. The adjective 'hysteretic' was formed from 'hysteresis' + '-etic', and 'nonhysteretic' was later formed by adding the negative prefix 'non-' to 'hysteretic'.

Originally referring to a 'coming later' or delay (Greek sense), 'hysteresis' evolved in science to mean dependence on prior states; consequently 'nonhysteretic' means 'not showing hysteresis' or 'without history-dependent behavior'.