'zooid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'zōoeidēs,' where 'zōo-' meant 'animal' and '-eidēs' meant 'form or shape.'

'zōoeidēs' transformed into the modern English word 'zooid' through scientific Latin.

Initially, it meant 'animal-like form,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an individual animal in a colonial organism.'