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amphoteric
[ am-fuh-ter-ik ]
/ ˌæm fəˈtɛr ɪk /
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adjective Chemistry.
capable of functioning either as an acid or as a base.
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Origin of amphoteric
Words nearby amphoteric
ampholyte, ampholytic, amphora, amphoric, amphoriskos, amphoteric, amphotericin, ampicillin, ample, amplexicaul, amplexifoliate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use amphoteric in a sentence
In regard to the indications of the amphoteric character of stronger acids, see Chapter XV.
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
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Scientific 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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