AMPHIBOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Amphibolism is a term often used in biology and physiology to describe a metabolic process in which an organism is capable of living in a different environment or adopting two distinct modes of life. Derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both" and "bolos" meaning "throw," amphibolism refers to the ability of an organism to adapt to varying conditions and carry out different biochemical pathways.
In the context of metabolism, amphibolism specifically refers to the ability of certain organisms, especially microorganisms, to utilize more than one type of nutrient or energy source for their metabolic needs. These organisms can alternate between different metabolic pathways depending on the availability of resources in their environment. For example, bacteria that can switch between aerobic respiration and anaerobic fermentation depending on the presence of oxygen exhibit amphibolism.
Amphibolism can also refer to the ability of living organisms to adapt to different stages of their life cycle. A classic example is exhibited by insects that undergo metamorphosis, such as butterflies, where they transition from an entirely different form during the larval stage to the adult form. This developmental process encompasses various physiological changes and adaptations required to survive in distinct environments at different stages of their life.
Overall, amphibolism represents a versatile and adaptable characteristic in organisms that allows them to adjust their metabolism, physiology, or life stages in response to changing conditions and resources in their environment.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMPHIBOLISM
- zmphibolism
- smphibolism
- wmphibolism
- qmphibolism
- anphibolism
- akphibolism
- ajphibolism
- amohibolism
- amlhibolism
- am-hibolism
- am0hibolism
- ampgibolism
- ampbibolism
- ampnibolism
- ampjibolism
- ampuibolism
- ampyibolism
- amphubolism
- amphjbolism
- amphkbolism
Etymology of AMPHIBOLISM
The word "amphibolism" comes from the Greek word "amphibolos" (ἀμφίβολος), which means "double-edged" or "ambiguous". It is derived from "amphi", meaning "both" or "around", and "bolos", meaning "throw" or "toss". In Greek, "amphibolismos" referred to the act of throwing or shooting back and forth, and was later extended to describe an ambiguous or equivocal expression. The term "amphibolism" was adopted in English in the mid-17th century to refer to the use of ambiguous or misleading language.
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