amphotericadj.
rare—0.
Partaking of both characters; neutral, neither acid nor alkaline.
ΚΠ
1849 in B. H. Smart Walker's Pronouncing Dict.
1879 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon
Draft additions 1997
Chiefly Chem., having or exhibiting both acidic and basic properties.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical properties > [adjective] > having both acidic and basic properties
amphoteric1906
1906 G. Mann Chem. Proteids vi. 216 These compounds are therefore formed by the amphoteric amino-acids.
1984 N. N. Greenwood & A. Earnshaw Chem. of Elem. (1986) vii. 253 Al(OH)3 is amphoteric, forming both salts and aluminates.
1988 Prima Aug. 36/2 L'Oreal's latest hair care range contains..amphoteric polymers which maintain the spring of the perm.
Draft additions 1997
amphoˈterism n. the capacity to act as an acid or as a base.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical properties > [noun] > capacity to act as an acid or base
amphoterism1937
1937 J. H. Yoe Chem. Princ. xvi. 164 Amphoterism and also the degree of acidic and basic ionization of amphoteric hydroxides are related to the position of their metallic elements in the periodic table.
1957 Sienko & Plane Chem. xvii. 363 Some elements, such as chromium, show amphoterism in one oxidation state but not in another.
1990 D. F. Shriver et al. Inorg. Chem. v. 161 An important issue in the d block is the oxidation number necessary for amphoterism.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1884; most recently modified version published online June 2011).
<
adj.1849