Able to react as either an acid or a base depending on the conditions around it.
From Greek 'ampho-' (both) + 'teros' (of two kinds). The term was coined in chemistry during the 19th century to describe substances that could display opposite properties.
Water is amphoteric—it can both donate and accept hydrogen ions, which is why it's such a perfect solvent for life. This chemical versatility is one reason why water is sometimes called 'the universal solvent.'
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