Amphoteric
/ˌæm.fəˈtɛr.ɪk/noun
Having the ability to react as either an acid or a base.
Did you know?Its core comes from Greek amphoteroi, meaning “both,” the same ancient root behind words that signal duality and division across Indo-European languages.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
amphóteros (ἀμφότερος)
“both, each of two”
Late Latin
Latin
amphoterus
“both, of both kinds”
19th Century
English
amphoteric
“having both acidic and basic properties”
Modern English
English
amphoteric
“able to react as either an acid or a base”
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