'toric' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'toricus', where 'torus' meant 'cushion' or 'bulge' (Latin).

'toric' developed via the scientific/adjectival formation from Latin 'torus' → New Latin 'toricus' and from the later formation 'toroid' (19th century), eventually entering modern English as 'toric' to describe torus-like shapes and specialized lens types.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to a torus (a cushion- or bulge-like form)'; over time it retained that geometric sense and acquired a specialized optical sense for lenses that correct astigmatism.