amphoteric

[ am-fuh-ter-ik ]

/ ˌæm fəˈtɛr ɪk /

adjective Chemistry.

capable of functioning either as an acid or as a base.

Nearby words

Origin of amphoteric

1840–50; < Greek amphóter(os) (comparative of ámphō both; cognate with Latin ambō) + -ic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for amphoteric

In regard to the indications of the amphoteric character of stronger acids, see Chapter XV.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
Bodies of this kind are known as "amphoteric electrolytes," since they yield both positive and negative ions, if dissociated.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher

British Dictionary definitions for amphoteric

amphoteric

/ (ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk) /

adjective

chem able to function as either a base or an acidAlso: amphiprotic

Word Origin for amphoteric

C19: from Greek amphoteros each of two (from amphō both) + -ic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for amphoteric

amphoteric

adj.

"neither acid nor alkaline," 1832, from Greek amphoteros "each or both of two," variant of amphi-.

Medicine definitions for amphoteric

amphoteric

[ ăm′fə-tĕr′ĭk ]

adj.

Having the capacity to react as either an acid or a base.

Science definitions for amphoteric

amphoteric

[ ăm′fə-tĕr′ĭk ]

Capable of reacting chemically as either an acid or a base. Water, ammonia, and the hydroxides of certain metals are amphoteric.