'oviform' originates from Latin, specifically the elements 'ovum' and 'forma', where 'ovum' meant 'egg' and 'forma' meant 'shape or form'.

'oviform' developed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin compound forms such as 'oviformis' (meaning 'egg-shaped') and entered English as a learned adjective formed from these Latin roots.

Initially it meant 'having the form of an egg', and over time it has retained this basic meaning as a descriptive term for egg-shaped objects.