'pyrophosphate' originates from Greek and New Latin elements: the prefix 'pyro-' from Greek 'pyr' meaning 'fire' and 'phosphate' from New Latin/French 'phosphate' ultimately from Greek 'phosphoros' meaning 'light-bearing'.

'pyrophosphate' was coined in modern chemical usage by combining the prefix 'pyro-' (meaning 'by heat' or 'fire') with 'phosphate' (from French/Latin usage) to denote a phosphate species produced by heating or condensation; the term became established in 19th-century chemical literature.

Initially, 'pyrophosphate' literally meant 'phosphate produced by heat' (reflecting early preparation methods); over time it came to denote specifically the condensed diphosphate anion (P2O7^4−) and its salts/esters in modern chemistry.