'polarization-dependent' is a compound formed from 'polarization' and 'dependent'. 'Polarization' originates from Greek/Latin roots via scientific coinage ('polarize' from 'polar', ultimately from Greek 'polos' meaning 'axis' or 'pivot') with the nominalizing suffix '-ization'. 'Dependent' originates from Latin 'dependere' (de- + pendere) meaning 'to hang down' or 'rely'.

'polarization' entered scientific English in the 19th century from the verb 'polarize' (French/English scientific usage), itself formed from 'polar' (from Latin/Greek 'polos'). 'Dependent' comes from Latin 'dependere' and passed into Middle English via Old French. The compound 'polarization-dependent' is a modern technical formation combining these established elements.

Initially, 'polarize' and related forms described orientation relative to poles or axes; as physics developed, 'polarization' took the specific sense of wave oscillation orientation. 'Dependent' retained the meaning 'relying on' or 'determined by'. The compound now specifically means 'determined by polarization state'.