'protein-like' originates from the word 'protein,' which comes from the Greek word 'proteios,' meaning 'primary' or 'of first importance.' The suffix '-like' is used in English to denote resemblance or similarity.

'protein' was derived from the French word 'protéine,' which was coined in the 19th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'protein.' The suffix '-like' has been used in English since the Old English period to form adjectives indicating similarity.

Initially, 'protein' referred to a class of nitrogenous organic compounds, and the suffix '-like' has consistently been used to indicate resemblance, maintaining its meaning over time.