'structure-maintaining' is a compound formed from 'structure' + 'maintaining'. 'Structure' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'structura'. 'Maintaining' derives from the verb 'maintain', from Old French 'maintenir' and ultimately Latin elements 'manu' + 'tenēre'.

'structure' passed into English via Latin 'structura' and Middle French/Medieval Latin and became Middle English 'structure'. 'Maintain' came into English from Old French 'maintenir,' itself from Latin components 'manu' ('hand') and 'tenēre' ('to hold'), developing into the modern verb 'maintain'. The compound 'structure-maintaining' is a modern English compound combining those established words.

Individually, 'structure' originally referred to arrangement or construction and 'maintain' to hold or keep; combined in modern usage they mean 'to keep an arrangement/intact form' or 'serving to preserve structural integrity'.