'spheroid' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'spheroidēs', where 'sphaira' meant 'ball' and the suffix '-oid' came from Greek 'oeidēs' meaning 'like'.

'spheroid' changed from New Latin 'spheroidēs' (formed from Greek elements 'sphaira' + 'oeidēs') and entered modern English usage through scientific Latin in the 19th century.

Initially, it meant 'ball-like' (resembling a sphere); over time it has been used more precisely for ellipsoids of revolution and generally for shapes that are nearly spherical.