'telolecithality' originates from Neo-Latin/Greek components: the prefix 'telo-' from Greek 'telos' meaning 'end' and 'lecith-' from Greek 'lekithos' meaning 'yolk', combined with the English nominal suffix '-ality' (from Latin '-alis'/'-alitas') indicating 'state or quality'.

'telolecithality' was coined in modern scientific usage from the adjective 'telolecithal' (formed from Greek roots) plus the English noun-forming suffix '-ity'/'-ality', creating a noun meaning 'the condition of being telolecithal'.

Originally the element described the adjective 'telolecithal' (having yolk at one end); the derived noun came to denote the condition or quality itself, 'telolecithality'.