amphoteric
/ˌamfəˈtɛrɪk
/adjective Chemistry
(Of a compound, especially a metal oxide or hydroxide) able to react both as a base and as an acid.Amino acids are amphoteric organic acids that are able to biochemically react with both acids or bases....
- Proteins can also be amphoteric compounds - a compound that can take on a negative or positive charge depending on the surrounding conditions.
- Finally, amphoteric detergents have either a positively or negatively charged ion, depending on the pH of the system they are incorporated into.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek amphoteros, comparative of amphō 'both', + -ic.