amphoteric

American  

[am-fuh-ter-ik] / ˌæm fəˈtɛr ɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.

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

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amphoteric British  

/ ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

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

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amphoteric Scientific  

/ ăm′fə-tĕr′ĭk /

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

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Etymology

Origin of amphoteric

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

Example Sentences

Hydrogen carbonates are amphoteric because they act as both weak acids and weak bases.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

A substance, such as these two, that will react with both acids and bases is amphoteric.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Will the oxide of each element be acidic, basic, or amphoteric?

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

These compounds may be acidic, basic, or amphoteric depending on the properties of the central E atom.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

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

From The Bacillus of Long Life a manual of the preparation and souring of milk for dietary purposes, together with and historical account of the use of fermente by Douglas, Loudon