'zygopteran' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'zygopteros,' where 'zygo-' meant 'yoked' and 'pteron' meant 'wing.'

'zygopteros' transformed into the modern English word 'zygopteran' through scientific classification.

Initially, it meant 'yoked wing,' referring to the structure of the wings, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.