Definition of amphibole

< amphibious

amphibolite >

am·phi·bole    (mf-bl) KEY 

NOUN:

Any of a large group of structurally similar hydrated double silicate minerals, such as hornblende, containing various combinations of sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Late Latin amphibolus, ambiguous, from Greek amphibolos, doubtful, from amphiballein, to throw on either side : amphi-, amphi- + ballein, to throw; see g^wel- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
amphi·bolic  (-blk) KEY (Adjective)