The compound 'time-release' is a modern formation from two fundamental English words. 'Time', with ancient Germanic roots, denotes a measured or specific interval. 'Release', entering English via French from Latin relaxare (to loosen), carries the core sense of setting free or making available. The compound logic is transparently descriptive: it specifies a 'release'—the activation or delivery of a substance—that is controlled or extended over 'time'. This term emerged in mid-20th century pharmacology to describe a technological innovation where the mechanism of drug delivery itself is engineered to prolong its therapeutic effect, moving from the literal, physical sense of 'loosening over a duration' to a precise technical application.

Structure: time (duration) + release (act of setting free) - time: From Old English tīma (a period, season, era), from Proto-Germanic \tīmô. Functional role: Noun used attributively to specify the nature of the 'release'. - release: From Old French relaisser (to let go, leave behind), from Latin relaxare (to loosen, stretch out). Functional role: Noun/verb root indicating the action of making something available or active.