amphoteric

[ am-fuh-ter-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Chemistry.

amphoteric

/ ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk /

amphoteric

/ ăm′fə-tĕr′ĭk /

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

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

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

In regard to the indications of the amphoteric character of stronger acids, see Chapter XV.

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

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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