AMPHOTERIC Definition & Meaning

amphoteric

[am-fuh-ter-ik]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Chemistry.

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

amphoteric

/ ˌæ��əˈ��ɛ��ɪ�� /

adjective

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

amphoteric

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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of amphoteric¹

1840–50; < Greek ��ó�ٱ�� ( os ) (comparative of á��ō both; cognate with Latin ��ō ) + -ic

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of amphoteric¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

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

From

amphoriskos amphotericin

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