'parosmia' originates from Greek, specifically from the Greek elements 'para-' (meaning 'beside, abnormal') and 'osme' (meaning 'smell').

'parosmia' was formed in Neo-Latin/medical terminology from Greek roots and entered English usage via medical literature in modern times as the term for distorted smell perception.

Initially formed to denote an abnormality related to smell ('abnormal smell perception'), its meaning has remained focused on distorted or altered perception of odors.