'pterygotan' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Pterygota', where the Greek root 'pteryx' meant 'wing'.

'pterygotan' developed from the New Latin taxonomic name 'Pterygota' (used for winged insects) and was adopted into English as the noun/adjective 'pterygotan'.

Initially used in taxonomy to denote membership in the group Pterygota ('winged'), it has come to be used in English both as a noun for members of that group and as an adjective describing wing-related characteristics.