amphoteric
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am·pho·ter·ic
(ăm′fə-tĕr′ĭk)adj.
Having the characteristics of an acid and a base and capable of reacting chemically either as an acid or a base.
[From Greek amphoteros, each of two, from amphō, both.]
amphoteric
(ˌæmfəˈtɛrɪk)adj
(Chemistry) chem able to function as either a base or an acid. Also: amphiprotic
[C19: from Greek amphoteros each of two (from amphō both) + -ic]
am•pho•ter•ic
(ˌæm fəˈtɛr ɪk)adj.
capable of functioning either as an acid or as a base.
[1840–50; < Greek amphóter(os) either (comp. of ámphō both; c. Latin ambō) + -ic]
am·pho·ter·ic
(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.
amphoteric
Describes a substance which exhibits properties of both an acid and a base.
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Adj. | 1. | ![]() chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions acidic - being or containing an acid; of a solution having an excess of hydrogen atoms (having a pH of less than 7) |
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