amphoteric

amphoteric Definition

am·pho·teric (am′fə ter′ik)

adjective

Chem. having both acid and basic properties

Etymology: < Gr amphoteros, compar. of amphō, both; var. of amphi-, amphi-

amphoteric Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

oxide: An amphoteric oxide is one which shows both acidic and basic properties.
product: Thus, in the field Antec Ambicide will perform better than amphoteric products.
hydroxide: This is explored some more in the page on ligand exchange reactions Amphoteric hydroxides An amphoteric substance has both acidic and basic properties.

Modifying Another Word

naturally: With naturally occurring phosphate and the added cationic charge, this starch is naturally amphoteric.

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