'spermatozoid' originates from New Latin/Modern Latin, specifically from Greek elements 'sperma' meaning 'seed' and the suffix '-oid' (from Greek '-oeidḗs') meaning 'resembling' or 'like'.

'spermatozoid' developed in scientific Latin/English in the 19th century from Greek roots (via New Latin forms such as 'spermatozoides'), modeled on related terms like 'spermatozoon' and other -oid/-oon formations before becoming the English technical term 'spermatozoid'.

Initially built from elements meaning 'seed-like' or 'resembling a seed/seed-animal', it evolved to denote specifically a motile sperm cell (the flagellated male gamete) in certain organisms.