'retrieval-dependent' originates from the combination of 'retrieval' and 'dependent'. 'Retrieval' comes from the Latin word 'retrahere', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw'. 'Dependent' comes from the Latin word 'dependere', where 'de-' meant 'from' and 'pendere' meant 'to hang'.

'retrieval' changed from the Old French word 'retrouver' and eventually became the modern English word 'retrieval'. 'Dependent' evolved from the Old French word 'dependant', which became 'dependent' in modern English.

Initially, 'retrieval' meant 'to find or recover something', and 'dependent' meant 'hanging down'. Over time, 'retrieval-dependent' evolved to mean 'relying on the act of retrieving information'.