'schistose' originates from New Latin and French, specifically the New Latin/Greek word 'schistos' and French 'schiste', where 'schizein' (Greek) meant 'to split'.

'schistose' changed from the Greek word 'schistos' to Late Latin 'schistus', passed into French as 'schiste', entered English as 'schist', and later the adjective form 'schistose' was formed in English.

Initially it meant 'split' or 'cleft' (from the Greek root), but over time it evolved into its current specialized meaning of 'having schistosity; layered or foliated' in geological contexts.