'zygopterous' originates from New Latin term 'Zygoptera', ultimately from Greek 'zygon' meaning 'yoke, pair' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing', plus the English adjectival suffix '-ous' meaning 'having the quality of'.

'Zygoptera' was coined in modern scientific Latin/Greek-based taxonomy (19th century) from Greek roots; the English adjective 'zygopterous' was formed by adding the suffix '-ous' to refer to things having the qualities of Zygoptera (damselflies).

Initially used in taxonomy to name the group Zygoptera (damselflies); it evolved into an English adjective meaning 'having the characteristics of Zygoptera' or 'damselfly-like'.