amphoteric

[am-fuh-ter-ik]

adjective

Chemistry.

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

amphoteric

/ ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. Also: amphiprotic. chem able to function as either a base or an acid

amphoteric

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphoteric¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphoteric¹

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

Example Sentences

Bodies of this kind are known as "amphoteric electrolytes," since they yield both positive and negative ions, if dissociated.

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When the milk is quite fresh it will, owing to its amphoteric condition, change the red litmus paper slightly blue, and the blue litmus paper slightly red.

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Milk has the curious property of being "amphoteric," i.e., it is both slightly acid and slightly alkaline when fresh.

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