'simethicone' originates from English, specifically influenced by the British form 'simeticone' and by chemical names like 'polydimethylsiloxane', where the element 'si-' (from 'silicone/silicon') and the component '-methicone' indicate methylated siloxane structures.

'simethicone' changed from the British spelling 'simeticone' and is derived from the chemical term 'polydimethylsiloxane' (a silicone polymer); over time the shorter trade/generic name 'simethicone' became established for the antifoaming medicinal preparation.

Initially, it meant 'a silicone-based antifoaming polymer', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an over-the-counter antifoaming drug used to relieve gas and bloating'.