'termite-related' is a modern English compound formed from the noun 'termite' and the adjective 'related'. 'termite' originates from Late Latin 'termes' (from Greek 'termes'), where the root referred to wood-boring insects; 'related' comes from Latin 'relatus', the past participle of 'referre' via Old French/Latin developments, meaning 'brought back' or 'related'.

'termite' changed from Greek/Latin ('termes'/'termes') into Late Latin and then into English as 'termite'; 'related' developed from Latin 'relatus' to Old French forms (via verbs meaning 'to tell' or 'to bring back') and into Middle English 'relaten' before becoming modern English 'relate' and its participle 'related'. The compound 'termite-related' is a recent formation in English by simple compounding.

Initially, elements had specific senses: 'termite' referred to wood-boring insects and 'related' originally carried senses of 'narrated' or 'brought back'; over time 'related' shifted to mean 'connected' or 'having a relationship to', so the compound now means 'having a connection to termites'.