'pachyderm' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'pachydermos,' where 'pachy-' meant 'thick' and 'derma' meant 'skin.'

'pachydermos' transformed into the French word 'pachyderme,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pachyderm.'

Initially, it meant 'thick-skinned animal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.