Amphibolous

/æmˈfɪbələs/ adjective

Definition

Having ambiguous or double meaning; characterized by amphibology.

Etymology

Directly from Greek amphibolos 'ambiguous' (amphi- 'both' + -bolos 'thrown'), suggesting something 'thrown both ways.' The -ous suffix adds the adjectival quality.

Kelly Says

When a magic trick works with an amphibolous setup, you see one thing but the magician has cleverly made you interpret it a different way—the ambiguity is built into the performance!

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