amphoteric: partly one and partly the other [from Greek, amphoteros, both].

Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index

In chemistry, an amphoteric substance is one that is capable of being both an acid (a proton donor) or a base (proton acceptor) within a relatively normal pH range. The most familiar amphoteric chemical is water.

Refers to a molecule or atom that is capable of accepting or donating protons and thus can serve as an acid or a base.


From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

Am`pho*ter"ic (#), a. [Gr. both.]

Partly one and partly the other; neither acid nor alkaline; neutral.

[R.]

Smart.

 

© Webster 1913.

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