'teratogenic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'teras,' where 'teras' meant 'monster' and 'genic' from 'genesis' meant 'origin or creation.'

'teras' transformed into the Greek word 'teratogen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'teratogenic.'

Initially, it meant 'causing monstrous formations,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing malformations in embryos or fetuses.'