'sarcotesta' originates from New Latin, specifically from the combining elements 'sarco-' from Greek 'sarx' meaning 'flesh' and 'testa' from Latin meaning 'shell'.

'sarcotesta' was formed in New Latin by combining Greek and Latin elements ('sarx' + 'testa') and was adopted into botanical English with the same form 'sarcotesta'.

Initially it referred to a 'fleshy seed coat' in botanical descriptions, and this specialized meaning has been maintained in modern usage.