AMHERSTIA

rupt and barbarous dialect of Arabic, with many African elements.

Amherstia (am-hérst'i-a), n. [In honour of Countess Amherst, a zealous promoter of botany. ] A genus of plants, nat. order Leguminosa. The flowers are large, bright vermilion with yellow spots, and form a raceme about 3 feet long. There is only one species, the A. nobilis, a native of Burmah, in which country the flowers are collected and laid before the shrines of Buddha. Amia (am'i-a), n. A genus of ganoid fishes found in the rivers of America, and constituting the family Amiidæ (which see). Amiability (a'mi-a-bil'i-ti), n. The quality of being amiable or lovable; excellence of disposition; amiableness.

Amiable (a'mi-a-bl), a. [Under this form there are probably two kindred words mixed up, namely Fr. aimable, lovely, amiable, from L. amabilis, from amo to love; Fr. amiable, amicable, L. amicabilis.] 1. Exciting or tending to excite love or delight; lovely; beautiful; delightful; pleasing. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord.' Ps. lxxxiv. 1.

Come set thee down upon this flow'ry bed, While I thy amiable cheeks do coy. Shak. There is nothing more amiable in nature than the character of a truly good man. Clarke.

2. Possessing such agreeable moral qualities as sweetness of temper, kind-heartedness, or the like; having an excellent disposition; lovable; as, an amiable girl; an amiable disposition. See extract.

This (word) and 'lovely' have been so far differentiated that amiable' never expresses now any other than moral loveliness; which in lovely' is seldom or never implied. Abp. Trench.

3. Exhibiting love or a show of love; proceeding from love.

Lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife. Shak.

Amiableness (a'mi-a-bl-nes), n. The quality of being amiable; loveliness; amiability. Amiably (a'mi-a-bli), adv. 1. In an amiable manner; in a manner to excite or attract love.-2. Pleasingly; delightfully. The palaces rise so amiably.' Sir T. Herbert. [Rare.]

They (the parables) are so amiably perspicuous, vigorous, and bright. Blackwall. Amianth, Amianthus (am'i-anth, am-i-an'thus), n. [Gr. amiantosa, neg., and miaino, to pollute or vitiate: so called from its incombustibility.] Flexible asbestos, earth-flax, or mountain-flax; a mineral occurring generally in serpentine veins, somewhat resembling flax, usually grayish or of a greenish-white colour. It is composed of delicate filaments, very flexible, and somewhat elastic, often long and resembling threads of silk. It is incombustible, and has sometimes been wrought into cloth and paper by the aid of flax, which is afterwards removed by a red heat. It has also been employed as lamp-wicks, and for filling gasgrates, the fibres remaining red-hot without being consumed. It is a finer variety of asbestos (which see).

Amianthiform (am-i-an'thi-form), a. [Amianth and form.] Having the form or likeness of amianth.

Amianthinite (am-i-an'thin-it), n. A species of amorphous mineral, a variety of actinolite; its colour is ash, greenish, or yellowishgray, often mixed with yellow or red; its fracture confusedly foliated and fibrous. Amianthoid (am-i-an'thoid), n. [Amianth, and Gr. eidos, form.] A mineral which occurs in tufts, composed of long capillary filaments, flexible and very elastic; more flexible than the fibres of asbestos, but stiffer and more elastic than those of amianth. The colour is olive-green or greenishwhite. It is a variety of hornblende. Amianthoid (am-i-an'thoid), a. Resembling amianth in form.

Amianthus. See AMIANTH. Amicability (am'ik-a-bili-ti), n. Quality of being amicable; amicableness. Amicable (am'ik-a-bl), a. [L. amicabilis, from amicus, a friend, from amo, to love. ] Characterized by or exhibiting friendship, peaceableness, or harmony; friendly; peaceable; harmonious in social or mutual transactions; as, an amicable arrangement; an amicable adjustment of differences. 'His kindness and humanity, and amicable disposition, and affability and pleasantness of temper. Wood.-Amicable action, in law, an action commenced and prosecuted according to a mutual understanding, for the

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purpose of obtaining a decision of the courts on some matter of law involved in it. Amicable numbers, in arith. such as are mutually equal to the sum of one another's aliquot parts-Amicable, Friendly. Ami cable is negative; friendly is positive: amicable simply implies a degree of friendship such as that we do not wish to disagree with those with whom we are on amicable terms; friendly means that the relations are of an active character, that we have done something to attain, and would do more to retain, the relation.-SYN. Friendly, peaceable, harmonious.

Amicableness (am'ik-a-bl-nes), n. The quality of being amicable, peaceable, friendly, or disposed to peace; a disposition to preserve peace and friendship; friendliness. Amicably (am'ik-a-bli), adv. In an amicable or friendly manner; with harmony; without controversy; as, the dispute was amicably adjusted.

Amical (a-mi'kal or am'ik-al), a. Friendly; amicable. 'An amical call to repentance.' W. Watson.

Amice (am'is), n. [O. Fr. amis, amit, Fr. amict, from L. amictus, an upper or outer garment, from amicio, amictum, to wrap round--prefix am, around, and jacio, jactum, to throw.] Something wrapped round a person; specifically, (a) a flowing cloak formerly worn by priests and pilgrims.

A palmer's amice wrapped him round, With a wrought Spanish baldrick bound. Sir W. Scott. (b) An oblong piece or strip of fine linen, with an embroidered apparel sewed upon it, falling down the shoulders like a cope, worn under the alb by priests of the Roman Catholic Church when engaged in the service of the mass. It was originally temporarily placed on the head till the other vestments were arranged, after which it was

1, Amice round the neck. 2, Amice worn as a hood.

turned down with the apparel outwards, so that when reposing on the shoulders it resembled an embroidered collar. To this position on the head is to be referred its later symbolism as a helmet of salvation. The bands worn by some Protestant clergymen are a relic of the amice.

Arrayed in habit black and amice thin,

Like to a holy monk the service to begin. Spenser. Amict (am'ikt), n. Same as Amice. Amicus Curiæ (a-mi’kus kū'ri-ē), n. [L.] In law, a friend of the court; a person in the court who informs the judge of an error he has detected.

Amid, Amidst (a-mid', a-midst'), prep. [Prefix a, on, in, and mid, midst. In A. Sax. it appears as on-middan, on-middum, later as amidde, amiddes; the t has been tacked on as in against; the es is an adverbial genit. termination. See MID, MIDDLE, &c.] In the midst or middle; surrounded or encompassed by; mingled with; among. Amid is used chiefly in poetry. Placed far amid the melancholy main.' Thomson. Amidst the garden.' Milton. Amide, Amine (am'id, am'in), n. In chem. names given to a series of salts produced by the substitution of elements or radicals for the hydrogen atoms of ammonia: often used as terminations of the names of such salts.

When these hydrogen atoms are replaced by acid radicals, the salts are called amides, as NH CHO (acetamide); while if the replacing radicals are basic, the salts are termed amines, as NH, K (potassamine) and NH, CH, (ethylamine). Amidin, Amidine (am'id-in), n. (C2H2O2.) A peculiar substance procured from wheat and potato starch. It is opaque or semitransparent, white or yellowish-white, inodorous, insipid, and very friable. It forms the soluble or gelatinous part of starch. Amidogen (a-mid'ō-jen), n. [Amide, and Gr. gennao, to produce the generator of amides.] A basifying principle composed of two equivalents of hydrogen and one of nitrogen (NH). It has not been isolated,

AMMIRAL

but may be traced in the compounds called amides and amines. Thus acetamide is a compound of acetum and amidogen; potassamine, of potassium and amidogen. Amidships (a-mid'ships), ade. In or towards the middle or the middle line of a ship; as, to put the helm amidships. Amidward (a-mid'ward), adv. Towards the middle line of a ship.

Amiidæ (am-i'i-dë), n. pl. A family of recent ganoid fishes, approaching more closely than the other families of the order to the ordinary bony fishes. The skin is covered with small, thin, rounded scales, coated with enamel, and the caudal fin is scarcely unsymmetrical. The species of this family. which are few in number, inhabit the fresh waters of America. One of the largest is the Amia calva.

Amilene (am'il-en), n. Same as Amylene. Amine. See AMIDE.

Amir (a-mer), n. Same as Emir (which see). Amiralt (am'i-ral), n. An admiral. See AM

MIRAL

Amist (am'is), n. An amice. Spenser. See AMICE.

Amiss (a-mis'), a. or adv. [Prefix a, and miss. See MISS.] 1. Wrong; faulty; out of time or order; improper: used only as a predicate; as, it may not be amiss to ask advice.

There's somewhat in this world amiss Shall be unriddled by and by. Tennyson. -To be not amiss, to be passable or suitable: to be pretty fair; to be not so very bad after all: a phrase used to express approval, but not in a very emphatic way. [Colloq.]

She's a miss, she is; and yet she an't amiss-eh! Dickens. 2. In a faulty manner; contrary to propriety. truth, law, or morality.

Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss. Jam, iv. 3 Amiss+ (a-mis'), n. great amiss.' Shak.

Fault; wrong. 'Some

Pale be iny looks to witness my amiss. Lyly. Amissibility (a-mis'i-bil"i-ti), n. The capability or possibility of being lost. [Rare.]

Hallam

Notions of popular rights, and the amissibility of Sovereign power for misconduct, were broached, Amissible (a-mis'i-bl), a. [L. amissibilis.] Capable of being or liable to be lost. [Rare.] Amission (a-mi'shon), n. [L. amissio, amissionis, from amitto-a, away, and mitto, to send.] Loss. Amission of their church membership. Dr. H. More.

Amit (a-mit), v.t. [L. amitto, to lose.] To lose. Sir T. Browne.

Amity (am'i-ti), n. [Fr. amitié, O. Fr. amiste, Pr. amistat; from a L.L. amicitas (used instead of Class. L. amicitia, friendship), from amicus, a friend, from amo, to love.] Friendship, in a general sense; harmony; good understanding, especially between nations; political friendship; as, a treaty of amity and commerce.

Great Britain was in league and amity with all the world. Sir F. Davies. SYN. Harmony, kindness, affection, friendship, good-will.

Amma (am'ma), n. [A word probably formed from the earliest sound uttered by an infant, and hence recognized in the name for mother, nurse, in many tongues; comp. G amme, a wet-nurse; 0.G. amma, a mother: Heb. em; Syr. ama, a mother. Comp. also mamma; L. mamma, a breast.] An abbess or spiritual mother.

Amma (am'ma), n. [Gr., a band.] A girdle or truss used in ruptures.

Amman (am'man), n. [Contr. from G. amtmann, courtman or officer-amt, from ambacht, duty, office. See AMBASSADOR.] An officer who, in Switzerland and in some parts of Germany, exercises judicial functions in a limited district of country. Ammi (am'më), n. [Gr. ammos, sand.] A genus of umbelliferous plants, growing in the Mediterranean region, and having the habit of the carrot, but with the outer petals of the umbel very large. They are None of sometimes called bishop-weeds. them are natives of Britain, our bishop-weed being the Egopodium podagraria, otherwise called goutwort.

Ammiral (am'mi-ral), n. 1. Admiral.-2. A ship carrying an admiral; any large ship. See ADMIRAL.

His spear-to equal which the tallest pine
Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast
Of some great ammiral, were but a wand-
He walk'd with to support uneasy steps
Over the burning marle.

Milton

AMMIT

Anmitt (am'mit), n. [See AMICE.] An amice.
Their motley habits, maniples and stoles,
Alus, ammits, rochets, chimers, hoods, and cowls.
Oldham.

Ammite, Hammite(am'mit,ham'mit), n. [Gr. amos, sand.] An old mineralogical name for roe-stone or oolite, and for all those sandstones composed of rounded and loosely compacted grains like oolite. See OOLITE. Ammochryse (am'mō-kris), n. [Gr. ammos, sand, and chrysos, gold. A yellow soft stone, found in Germany, consisting of glossy yellow particles. When rubbed or ground it has been used to strew over fresh writing to prevent blotting.

Ammocœtes (am'mō-se-tēz), n. [Gr. ammos, sand, and koite, a bed.] A genus of cyclostomous fishes, family Petromyzonida or Petromyzida, closely allied to the lampreys. One British species is known, the pride or mud-lamprey (A. branchialis); it is occasionally met with in our rivers, where it lodges in the mud.

Ammodytes (am'mō-di-tēz), n. [Gr. ammos, sand, and dytos, from dyo, to go into, to enter.] A genus of apodal fishes, family Ammodytidae, sub-order Anacanthini; the sand-eel (which see).

Ammodytidæ (am'mō-di'ti-dē), n. pl. [See AMMODYTES] A family of fishes, sub-order Anacanthini,order Teleostei, of which the genus Ammodytes is the type. See SAND-EEL Ammon (am'mon), n. [Anc. Egyptian Amun, Amon] An ancient Ethiopian, and subsequently Egyptian deity, called by the Greeks Zeus Aramon, and by the Latins Jupiter Ammon. Alexander the Great visited his temple in the desert of Libya, and was saluted,

an

ד

Ammon, from a bronze in British Museum.

it is said, by the priests as son of the god. Ammonalum (am'mon-al-um), n. [Contr. for ammonia alum.] A mineral consisting of a hydrosulphate of alumina and ammonia, found in thin fibrous layers in brown-coal in Bohemia. In France it is manufactured and used for potash-alum.

He

Ammonia (am-mo'ni-a), n. [Gr. ammoniakon, sal-ammoniac, so called from the salt being first obtained by burning camels' dung near the Temple of Ammon in Libya. ] (NH) The modern name of the volatile alkali, formerly so called to distinguish it from the more fixed alkalies. It is a gas, and was first procured in that state by Priestley, who termed it alkaline air. obtained it from sal-ammoniac by the action of lime, by which method it is yet generally prepared. Ammonia is used for many purposes, both in medicine and scientific chemistry; not, however, in the gaseous state, but frequently in solution in water, under the names of liquid ammonia, aqueeus ammonia, or spirits of hartshorn. It may be liquefied by pressure, and the liquid may be frozen by the same means. It may be procured naturally from putrescent animal substances, and artificially from the destructive distillation of organic matter, except fat, by subjecting it to heat in iron cylinders. In commerce it is chiefly got from the distillation of pit-coal and of refuse animal substances, such as bones, clippings and shavings of horn, hoof, &c. It may also be obtained from vegetable matter when nitrogen is one of its elements. The air contains a minute quantity of ammonia from the putrefaction of animal and vegetable bodies. It is recognized by its pungent smell and transient alkaline effect on vegetable colours. Ammoniac, Ammoniacal (am-mō'ni-ak, ain-mo-nï'ak-al), a. Pertaining to ammonia, or possessing its properties.-Ammoniacal gas, ammonia in its purest form. See AMMONIA-Ammoniac gum, or gum-ammoniae, a gum-resin from Africa and the East, brought in large masses, composed of tears, internally white and externally yellow; an exudation from an umbelliferous plant, the

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Dorema ammoniacum. It has a fetid smell, and a nauseous sweet taste, followed by a bitter one. It is inflammable, soluble in water and spirit of wine, and is used in medicine as an antispasmodic, stimulant, and expectorant in chronic catarrh, bronchitic affections, and asthma. It is also used for plasters.—Ammoniacal liquor, a product of the distillation of coal in gasworks, usually containing 4 to 8 oz. of ammonia in a gallon, and used as a manure.Ammoniacal salt, a salt formed by the union of ammonia with an acid, without the elimination of hydrogen, differing in this from metallic salts, which are formed by the substitution of the metal for the hydrogen of the acid.

Ammoniac, Ammoniacum (am-mö'ni-ak, am-mo-ni'ak-um), n. Same as Ammoniac Gum (which see under AMMONIAC, a.) Ammonian (am-mō'ni-an), a. Relating to Ammonius, surnamed Saccas, of Alexandria, who flourished at the end of the second century, and was the founder of the Neoplatonic school of philosophy; his most distinguished pupils being Longinus, Origen, and Plotinus.

Ammonite (am'mon-it), n. [Resembling the horns of Jupiter Ammon, whose statues were represented with ram's horns. ] One of the fossil shells of an extensive genus (Ammonites) of extinct cephalopodous molluscs (cuttlefishes), family Ammonitida, coiled in a plane spiral, and chambered within like that of the existing nautilus, to which the ammonites were allied. These shells have a nacreous lining in the inside, and a porcelaneous layer externally, and are smooth or rugose, the ridges straight, crooked, or undulated, and in some cases armed with projecting spines or tubercles. The species already described number 500, and range from the lias to the chalk inclusive. They vary in size from mere specks up to 3 or 4 feet in diameter. Sometimes called Snake-stone, and formerly Cornu Ammonis (Ammon's horn).

Ammonitidæ (am-mon-it'i-dē), n. pl. A numerous extinct family of tetrabranchiate cephalopods (cuttle-fishes), of which the well-known ammonite is the type. It includes the genera Goniatites, Ceratites, Ammonites, Scaphites, Hamites, and others. They are the most characteristic molluscs of the secondary rocks. See AMMONITE. Ammonitiferous (am'mon-it-if”èr-us), a. Containing the remains of ammonites; as, ammonitiferous rocks.

Ammonium (am-mö'ni-um), n. (NH4) A name given to the hypothetical base of ammonia, analogous to a metal, as potassium. It has not been isolated. If mercury at the negative pole of a galvanic battery be placed in contact with a solution of ammonia, and the circuit be completed, an amalgam is formed which, at the temperature of 70° or 80° Fahr., is of the consistence of butter, but at the freezing-point is a firm and crystallized mass. This amalgam is supposed to be formed by the metallic base ammonium, and is the nearest approach to its isolation. On the ceasing of the current the amalgam decomposes into mercury, ammonia, and hydrogen, the two latter escaping as gas in the proportions expressed by their atomic weights, namely, H and NH.-Ammonium bases, compounds representing one or more molecules of hydrate of ammonium, in which mono- or poly-atomic radicals replace the whole or part of the hydrogen, as iodide of tetrethylium N. (CH), I. Ammoniurett (am-mon-i'u-ret), n. In chem. one of certain supposed compounds of ammonia and a pure metal, or an oxide of a metal. Ammophila (a-mof'i-la), n. [Gr. ammos, sand, and philos, a lover.] 1. A genus of grasses growing on the sandy shores of Europe and North America; the sea-reed. A. arundinacea (common marum, sea-reed, mat-weed, or sea-bent) grows on sandy sea

AMOEBA

shores, and is extensively employed in Norfolk and Holland for preserving the shores from inroads of the sea, as it serves to bind down the sand by its long matted rhizomes. It is also manufactured into door-mats and floor-brushes. In the Hebrides it is made into ropes, mats, bags, and hats.-2. A longbodied genus of fossorial hymenoptera, commonly called sand-wasps. See SAND-WASP. Ammunition (am-mu-ni'shon), n. [L. ad, and munitio, from munio, to fortify.] Military stores or provisions for attack or defence. In modern usage the signification is confined to the articles which are used in the discharge of firearms and ordnance of all kinds, as powder, balls, bombs, various kinds of shot, &c. - Ammunition bread, shoes, stockings, &c., in America such as are contracted for by government, and distributed to the private soldiers. Ammunition-chest (am-mu-ni'shon-chest), n. A chest or box in which the fixed ammunition for field cannon is packed. One is carried on the limber of the gun-carriage, and one on the limber and two on the body of each caisson.

Amnesia (am-nēʼsi-a), n. [Gr. a, priv., and mnesis, memory.] In med. loss of memory. Amnesty (am'nes-ti), n. [L. amnestia, from Gr. amnestia, oblivion-a, not, and root mna, to remember.] An act of oblivion; a general pardon of the offences of subjects against the government, or the proclamation of such pardon.

He had already given his consent to an act by which an amnesty was granted to all those who during the late troubles had been guilty of political Macaulay.

offences.

Amnesty (am'nes-ti), v. t. To grant an amnesty to; to pardon.

In this case the government were asked to amnesty men who had committed some of the worst crimes that could be committed. Scotsman newspaper.

Amnion (am'ni-on), n. [Gr. amnion, the membrane round the fetus.] 1. The innermost membrane surrounding the fetus of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is thin, transparent, soft, and smooth on the inside, but rough on the outside: it grows out from the free margins of the blastoderm, which ultimately meet in the middle line of the belly.-2. In bot. a thin, semi-transparent, gelatinous fluid, in which the embryo of a seed is suspended when it first appears, and by which the embryo is supposed to be nourished in its early stages.

Amnios (am'ni-os), n. Same as Amnion. Amniotic (am-ni-ot'ik), a. 1. Pertaining to the amnion; contained in the amnion; as, the amniotic fluid.-2. A term applied to those groups of vertebrates (reptiles, birds, mammals) of which the fetus possesses an amnion. Amniotic acid. See Allantoic Acid under ALLANTOIC.-Amniotic liquid, or liquor amnii, the liquid in which the fetus floats suspended by the umbilical cord. Amoeba (a-me'ba), n. [Ğr. amoibe, change.] A microscopic genus of rhizopodous Protozoa, of which A. diffluens, common in all our fresh-water ponds and ditches, is the type. It exists as a mass of protoplasm, which, when placed under the microscope, exhibits curious movements. It pushes its body out into finger-like processes or pseudopodia, and by means of these moves about or grasps particles of food. These processes may be protuded from any portion of the body, and are freely pushed out and as freely withdrawn again, or merged with the general protoplasmic matter of the body. From thus continually altering its shape it received its former name of proteus-animalcule. Within the body a nucleus and nucleolus are usually perceived, and certain clear spaces, termed contractile vesicles, from their

exhibiting rhythmical movements of contraction and dilation, may also be noticed. The protoplasm of the amceba's body is differentiated into layers, the outer and firmer layer being termed the ectosare, the inner and more fluid the endosarc. There is

Amoeba, or Fresh-water Proteus, showing some of the shapes which it assumes, and the vacuoles in its sar. no distinct mouth, and food seized by means of the pseudopodia is engulfed within the soft sarcode body and by any portion of its sur

codic substance.

AMPELOPSIS

Ampelopsis (am-pel-op'sis), n. [Gr. ampelos, a vine, and opsis, appearance, resemblance.] A genus of plants, nat. order Vitaceæ, scarcely distinguishable from Vitis, except that the flowers have a ring round the base of the ovary. A. hederacea is the Virginian creeper, a fast-growing climbing shrub, cultivated for covering walls and arbours. Ampère's Theory (an-parz the 'ō-ri), n. An electro-dynamic theory established by André Marie Ampère. In this theory the mutual attraction and repulsion of two magnets is referred to the mutual action of electric currents circulating parallel to each other and in the same direction round the magnets. Ampère conceived that the magnetic action of the earth is the result of currents circulating within it, or at its surface, from east to west, in planes parallel to the magnetic equator.

Ampersand (am'per-sand), n. [E. and, L per se, E. and-lit. and by itself and.] A term applied to the character &, which is formed by combining the letters of the Latin et, and the expression is, or was, common in nursery-books.

Amphi-(am'fi). [A Greek preposition meaning about, on both sides, &c., allied to L. amb-, ambo, both, and to A. Sax. ymb, emb, Icel. G. um, round, about.] A prefix in words of Greek origin, signifying about, around, on both sides, in two respects, &c. Amphiarthrosis (am'fi-ar-thrō"sis), n. [Gr. amphi, and arthrosis, articulation.] In anat. a mixed kind of articulation, in which the articular surfaces of bones are united by an intermediate substance in a manner which admits of a small degree of motion: the articulation of the vertebræ furnishes an example.

Amphibia (am-fib'i-a), n. pl. [Gr. amphi bias, living a double life-amphi, both, and bios, life.) In zool. a term meaning properly animals capable of living both under water and on land. Its use, therefore, ought to be restricted to such as have both lungs and gills simultaneously. Four genera of batrachians do possess such a double respiratory apparatus, the axolotls, Menobranchi, sirens (all of which inhabit the rivers and lakes of America), and the proteus, which is found in subterranean rivers in Illyria. These are the only known vertebrated animals which are truly amphibious. By most naturalists, however, the term is extended so as to include all animals which possess both gills and lungs, whether at different stages of their existence or simultaneously. By this classification not only the above four genera, but such batrachians as frogs, Amphiuma, &c., which breathe by gills during the tadpole state, and by lungs in their more mature and perfect form, are included. In popular lan otters, seals, walruses, crocodiles, and other animals inhabiting or frequenting water, are often called amphibious, though none of them can breathe under water. Amphibial, Amphibian (am-fib'i-al, am-fib'i-an), a. Of or pertaining to the Amphibia; having the power of living in air and water. See AMPHIBIOUS.

Amphibial, Amphibian (am-fib'i-al, amfibi-an), n. One of the Amphibia. Amphibiolite (am-fib'i-o-lit), n. [Gr. amphibios, amphibious, and lithos, stone.] A fossil amphibious animal.

Amphibiological (am-fib'i-o-loj "ik-al), a. Pertaining to amphibiology.

Amphibiology (am-fib'i-ol"o-ji), n. [Gr. amphibia, and logos, discourse.] A discourse or treatise on aniphibious animals, or the history and description of such animals; the department of natural history which treats of the Amphibia.

Amphibious (am-flb'i-us), a. [See AMPHIHIA 1. A term applied to animals which have the power of living in two elements, air and water, from possessing a double respiratory apparatus, either simultaneously, as in the case of axolotls, sirens, &c., or at different stages of their existence, as in the case of frogs: applied in popular usage to any lung-breathing animal which can exist for a considerable time under water, as the crocodile, whale, seal, beaver, &c.-2. Adapted for living on land or water.

The amphibious character of the Greeks was already determined; they were to be lords of land Hare.

and sea.

3. Of a mixed nature; partaking of two natures; as, an amphibious breed. [Colloq.] Not in free and common socage, but in this amphibious subordinate class of villein socage. Blackstone.

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Amphibiousness (am-fib'i-us-nes), n. The quality of being amphibious; ability to live in two elements; the quality of partaking of two natures.

Amphibium (am-fib'i-um), n. An amphibious animal. See AMPHIBIA. Amphibole (am-fib'o-le or am'fi-bōl), n. [Gr. amphibolos, equivocal.] A name given by Hauy and some other mineralogists to hornblende, from its resemblance to augite, for which it may readily be mistaken. Amphibolic (am-fi-bol'ik), a. Pertaining to or resembling amphibole, or partaking of its nature and character.

Amphibolite (am-fib'o-lit), n. [Amphibole (which see).] In mineral. a rock with a base of amphibole or hornblende; trap, or green

stone.

Amphibological (am-fib'o-loj"ik-al), a. Of or pertaining to amphibology; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous. 'Doubtful or amphibological expressions.' Jer. Taylor. Amphibologically (am-fib'o-loj "ik-al-li), adv. With a doubtful meaning. Amphibology (am-fi-bol'o-ji), n. [Gr. amphibologia amphi, in two ways, ballo, to throw, and logos, discourse.] A phrase or discourse susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, a phrase of uncertain meaning. We have an example of amphibology in the answer of the oracle to Pyrrhus: Aio te Romanos vincere posse.' Here te and Romanos may either of them precede or follow vincere posse, and the sense may be either, you may conquer the Romans, or the Romans may conquer you. The English language seldom admits of amphibology. For an English example see extract under AMPHIBOLOUS, 2.

Amphiboloid (am-fib'ol-oid), n. A rock composed of amphibole (hornblende) and felspar, in which the amphibole predominates; a variety of greenstone. Amphibolous (am-fib'ol-us), a. [Gr. amphi bolos-amphi, and ballo, to strike.] Ambiguous; equivocal. [Rare.]

Howell.

Never was there such an amphibolous quarrelboth parties declaring themselves for the king. Now used only in logic as applied to a sentence susceptible of two meanings.

An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting a double construction; as,... 'The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose.' Whately.

Amphiboly (am-fib'o-li), n. [Gr. amphibolia -amphi, both ways, and ballo, to strike.] Ambiguity of meaning. [Rare.] Amphibrach, Amphibrachys (am'fil-brak, am-fib'ra-kis), n. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and brachys, short.] In pros. a foot of three syllables, the middle one long, the first and last short; as, habere, in Latin. Amphicarpic, Amphicarpous (am-fi-kärpik, am-fi-kärpus), a. [Gr. amphi, in two ways, two, and karpos, fruit.] In bot. possessing two kinds of fruit, either in respect of form or time of ripening. Amphicentrum (am-fi-sen'trum), n. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and kentron, a spine.] A genus of fossil ganoid fishes wanting abdominal fins. The dorsal and ventral margins project like spines. They are confined to carboniferous strata. Amphicœlous, Amphicœlian (am-fi-sē'lus, am-fi-se'li-an), a. [Gr. amphi, at both ends, and koilos, hollow.] In physiol. applied to vertebræ which are doubly concave or hollow at both ends, as in fish and one group of extinct Crocodilia.

Amphicome (am'-kōm), n. [Gr. amphi, around, and kome, hair.1 A kind of figured stone of a round shape, but rugged and beset with eminences, anciently used in divination. Ency. Brit. Amphictyonic (am-fik'ti-on"ik), a. Pertaining to the august council or league of Amphictyons.

Amphictyons (am-fik'ti-onz),n. pl. [Gr. amphiktyones dwellers around, neighbours.] In Grecian antiq. an assembly or council of deputies from the different states of Greece. Ten or twelve states were represented in this assembly, which sat alternately at Thermopyla and at Delphi. Amphictyony (am-fik'ti-on-i), n. The Amphictyonic League or Council, an association of several neighbouring states of ancient Greece, for the furtherance of the general interests.

Amphicyon (am-fis'i-on), n. [Gr. amphi, implying doubt, and kyon, a dog.] A large fossil carnivorous quadruped, so called from its teeth, which combine the characters of

AMPHIOXIDÆ

those of the dogs (Canidae) and bears (Ursida). It occurs principally in the miocene tertiary formation.

Amphid, Amphide (am'fid), n. [Gr. amphi, in two ways, and eidos, form, appearance.] A term given by Berzelius to compounds consisting of two sulphides, oxides, selenides, or tellurides, and therefore containing three different elements, as distinguished from haloid compounds. See HALOID. Amphiäisc (am'f-disk), n. [Gr. amphi, at both ends, and diskos, a quoit, a round plate.] In zool. one of the spicules which surround the reproductive gemmules of Spongilla, resembling two toothed wheels united by an axle.

Amphidromical (am-fl-drom'ik-al), a. [Gr. amphi, around, and dromikos, good at running.] Of or pertaining to the ancient Greek festival amphidromia, celebrated when a child received its name, and so termed from the infant being carried round the hearth preparatory to being named. Sir T. Browne.

Amphidura (am-fi-dú'ra), n. [A corruption of amphithura (which see).] In the Greek Ch. the veil or curtain opening to the dwarf folding doors, and separating the chancel from the rest of the church. It corresponds to the cancellus of Roman Catholic churches.

Amphidura, from Greek Church, London Wall.

When the priest has passed through the folding doors the curtain is drawn across, so that whilst officiating at the altar he is hidden from the congregation. Severai times during the service the curtain is drawn back to allow the priest to come forward and read certain portions of the services outside the folding doors. Amphigamous (am-fig'a-mus), a. [Gr. amphi, implying doubt, and gamos, nuptials.] In bot. a term formerly used as synonymous with cryptogamous. Amphigastria (am-fi-gas'tri-a), n. pl. [Gr. amphi, around, and gaster, stomach.] The imperfect leaves or so-called stipules on the under or shaded side of the axis of the scalemosses or Jungermanniaceæ. Amphigean (am-fi-jé'an), a. [Gr. amphi around, and ge, the earth.] Extending over all the zones of the globe, from the tropic to either polar inclusive. Dana. Amphigen (am'fi-jen), n. [Gr. amphi, around, and gennao, to produce, from ginomai, to be formed.] A plant which has no distinct axis, but increases by the growth or development of its cellular tissue on all sides, as the lichens. Amphigene (am'fi-jen), n. In mineral. another name for leucite (which see). Amphigenous (am-fij'e-nus), a. A term applied to fungi when the hymenium is not restricted to a particular surface. Amphihexahedral (am-fi-heks'a-he"dral), a. [Gr. amphi and E. hexahedral.] In crystal. said of a crystal in which the faces, counted in two different directions, give two hexahedral outlines, or are found to be six in number.

Amphilogy (am-fil'o-ji), n. [Gr. amphi, in two ways, and logos, discourse.] Equivocation; amphibology.

Amphimacer (am-fim'a-sér), n. [Gr. amphi makros, long on both sides.] In pros. a foot of three syllables, the middle one short and the others long, as in castitas: the opposite of an amphibrach. Amphioxidæ, Amphioxini (am-fl-oks'i-de, am'fi-oks-i"ni), n. pl. The only family of

AMPHIOXUS

pharyngo-branchial fishes, with gelatinous dorsal chord, pulsating vessels in place of the heart, and a branchial sac in the cavity of the esophagus. The amphioxus is the type. Amphioxus (am-fi-oks'us), n. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and oxus, sharp, because the animal is sharp at both ends.] An anomalous genus of fishes, otherwise called Branchiostoma, and containing only the common lancelet (Amphioxus lanceolatus or Branchiostoma lanceolatum) and another species. See BRANCHIOSTOMA.

Amphipneust (am'fip-nùst), n. One of the amphipneusta (which see). Amphipneusta (am-fip-nus'ta), n. pl. [Gr. amphi, in two ways, and pneo, to breathe.] A former name of a sub-order of tailed amphibia, retaining their gills through life. See URODELA.

Amphipod, Amphipode (am'fi-pod, am'fipod), n. One of the amphipoda (which see). Amphipoda (am-fip'od-a), n. pl. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and pous, podos, a foot.] An order of the sessile-eyed mala

Amphipoda.

1, Shore-jumper (Orchestia littoralis). 2, Portion of Orchestia to show the respiratory organs a a a. costracan crustaceans. The bodies of these animals are compressed laterally, and curved upon the sides; the eyes are immovable, and their feet are directed partly forwards and partly backwards. The respiratory organs consist of membranous vesicles attached to the bases of the thoracic limbs. Many of the species are found in springs and rivulets; others are met with in salt water. The sand-hopper and shore-jumper are examples.

Amphipodous (am-fip'od-us), a. of or pertaining to the Amphipoda.

Amphiprostile, Amphiprostyle (am-fip'

Plan of Amphiprostile Temple.

In

ro-stil), n. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and prostylos, having pillars in front-pro, before, and style, a column.] Lit. having pillars both in front and behind. arch. a structure having the form of an ancient Greek or Roman oblong rectangular temple, with a prostyle or portico on each of its ends or fronts, but with no columns on its sides or flanks.

Amphisarca (am'fi-sär-ka), n. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and sarx, sarkos, flesh.] In bot. a compound, manycelled, indehiscent, superior fruit, with a woody or indurated shell inclosing an internal pulp, as seen in the baobab.

Amphisbæna (am-fis-be'na), n. [Gr. amphisbaina amphis, on both sides, and baino, to go, from the belief that the animal moved with either end foremost.] A genus of serpentiform, limbless reptiles, family Amphisbænidæ, order Lacertilia, with the head small, smooth, and blunt, the nostrils small,

Amphisbæna fuliginosa.

the eyes minute and blackish, and the mouth furnished with small teeth. The body is

92

cylindrical, destitute of scales, and divided into numerous annular segments; the tail obtuse, and scarcely to be distinguished from the head, whence the belief that it moved equally well with either end foremost. There are several species. A. fuliginosa, black, with white spots, is found in Guinea and Surinam; and A. alba, the largest species, about 21 inches long, reddish-brown above and white below, is found in Surinam and Brazil, generally in ant-hillocks. They feed on ants and earthworms, and were formerly, but erroneously, deemed poisonous, whence Milton classes it among the most noxious reptiles.

Complicated monsters

Scorpion, and asp, and amphisbana dire, Cerastes horned, hydras, and elops drear, And dipsas. Paradise Lost, b. x. -Aquatic amphisbæna, a name formerly sometimes given to the common hair-worm (Gordius aquaticus), which, however, has no connection with the amphisbænas proper, but is one of the nematoid worms, or Nematelmia, class Scolecida. See GORDIUS and GORDIACEA.

Amphisbænia (am-fis-be'ni-a), n. pl. An order of lacertian reptiles, of which the genus Amphisbæna is the type. Amphisbænidæ (am-fis-be'ni-dē), n. pl. That family of the Amphisbænia which includes the genus Amphisbæna. Amphiscian (am-fish'i-an), n. One of the Amphiscii (which see).

Amphiscii (am-fish'i-i), n. pl. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and skia, shadow.] In geog. the inhabitants of the inter-tropical regions, whose shadows at noon in one part of the year are cast to the north and in the other to the south, according as the sun is in the Amphisile (am-fis'i-le), n. A genus of acansouthern or northern signs.

Part of Amphisile strigata.

thopterygious fishes, in which the back is plated, and the first dorsal fin is placed quite at the extremity of the body, and produced into a long and strong spine. It belongs to the family Fistularida (Aulostomidae), or sea-snipes. It is closely allied to, and was included in, the genus Centriscus by Linnæus.

Amphistomous (am-fis 'tom - us), a. [Gr. amphi, on both sides, and stoma, a mouth.] A term applied to certain entozoa having a cup-shaped mouth at each extremity, by which they adhere to the intestines of the animals in which they are parasitic. Amphitheatral (am-fi-the'a-tral), a. taining to or resembling an amphitheatre. Amphitheatre (am-fi-the'a-tér), n. [Gr. amphitheatron--amphi, about, and theatron,

Amphitheatre at Verona.

Per

theatre, from theaomai, to see or look. ] 1. An ancient Roman edifice of an oval form, having a central area encompassed with rows of seats, rising higher as they receded from the centre, on which people used to sit to view the combats of gladiators and of wild beasts, and other sports. The ancient theatre was nearly semicircular in shape, with its rows of seats fronting the stage; the amphitheatre is frequently described as a double theatre, as consisting of two such semicircles or halves joined together, the spaces allotted to their orchestras becoming the inner inclosure, area, or, as it was called, arena, from being generally covered with sand. It is not quite correct to say, however, that an amphitheatre was

AMPHORA

formed by two semicircles, since it was always elliptical in form. The arena was surrounded by a wall about 15 feet high, so that the spectators were quite secure from the attacks of any of the wild beasts exhibited. The Colosseum at Rome is the largest of all the ancient amphitheatres, being capable of containing from 50,000 to 80,000 persons. That at Verona is one of the best examples remaining. Its dimensions are 502 feet by 401, and 98 feet high.-2. Anything resembling an amphitheatre in form, as a hollow surrounded by rising ground; in hort. a sloping disposition of shrubs and trees. Amphitheatric, Amphitheatrical (am'fithe-at"rik, am'fi-the-at"rik-al), a. Pertaining to or exhibited in an amphitheatre. Amphitheatrical gladiatures.' Gayton. Amphitheatrically (am'ti-the-at"rik-al-li). adv. In an amphitheatrical manner or form. Amphitherium (am-fi-the'ri-um), n. [Gr amphi, implying doubt, and therion, a wild beast.] A fossil insectivorous mammal of the oolite. As its remains do not furnish sufficient data to decide whether it is placental or aplacental, it has received this provisional name. A. Prevostii is the only species yet discovered. Amphithura (am-fi-thu'ra), n. [Gr. amphi, both, twofold, and thura, a door. ] The correct spelling of the word now commonly written Amphidura (which see). Amphitrite (am-fi-tri'te), n. [Name of a seanymph in Greek mythology, sister of Thetis and wife of Neptune.] 1. A small planet or asteroid between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, discovered by M. Marth on the 2d March. 1854.-2. A genus of marine annelids, order Tubicolæ, and class Annulata of Cuvier. They are easily recognized by their goldencoloured setæ, disposed in the form of a crown. Some of them construct and carry about with them slight, regularly conical tubes of sand, glued together by mucus exuded from the skin. Amphitropal, Amphitropous (am-fit'ropal, am-fit'rop-us), a. [Gr. amphi, round, and trepo, to turn.] In bot. applied to an ovule curved upon itself so that both ends (the foraminal and chalazal) are brought near to each other with the hilum in the middle.

QQ

Ovule.

Amphitropal Amphitype (am'fi-tip), n. [Gr. amphi, both, and typos, an impression.] In photog. a process discovered by Sir John Herschel, by which light produces either a positive or a negative. The paper is prepared by a solution of ferro-tartrate or of ferro-citrate of protoxide or peroxide of mercury, followed by a solution of ammonio-tartrate or ammonio-citrate. On exposure in the camera a negative is produced of a rich brown tint, which fades in the dark, but may be restored as a black positive by immersing it in a solution of nitrate of mercury, and ironing it with a hot iron.

Amphiuma (am-fi-u'ma), n. [Gr. amphi, both, and huma, from huo, to wet, to water.] A genus of amphibians which frequent the lakes and stagnant waters of North America. The adults retain the clefts at which

the gills of the tadpole projected. The body is of great length. Amphiumidæ (am-fi-u'mi-de), n. pl. A family of tailed amphibians distinguished by a small branchial aperture on each side, within which are the branchial arches with small laminæ. They approach, in respect of their respiratory apparatus, the amphipneusts or true amphibians, in which the external gills are persistent. The genus Amphiuma (which see) is the type.

Amphora (am'fo-ra), n. pl. Amphoræ (am'fo-re). [L. amphora, Gr. amphoreus, a shortened form of amphiphoreus-amphi, on both sides, and phoreo, to carry, from its two handles.] Among the Greeks and Romans, a vessel, usually tall and narrow, with two handles or ears and a narrow neck, and generally ending in a sharp point below for being inserted in a stand or in the ground, used for holding wine, oil, honey, and the like. The amphora were commonly made of earthenware, but Homer mentions amphora of gold and stone; the Egyptians had them of brass; and glass vessels of this form have been found at Pompeii. The most common use of the amphora was for keeping wine. The stop