amphoteric

[ am-fuh-ter-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

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

amphoteric

/ ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. chem able to function as either a base or an acid Alsoamphiprotic

amphoteric

/ 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.

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg