ambidexter

1 of 2

noun

am·​bi·​dex·​ter
¦ambə¦dekstə(r),
¦aam-
plural -s
1
a
: one that takes bribes or fees from both sides
b
archaic : one that practices duplicity
2
obsolete : one that uses both hands with equal facility

ambidexter

2 of 2

adjective

"
archaic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in sense 1, from Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from ambidexter, adjective, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands; in sense 2, from Late Latin, from ambidexter, adjective

Adjective

Medieval Latin & Late Latin; Medieval Latin, double-dealing, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands (translation of Greek amphoterodexios), from ambi- + dexter on the right, skillful

First Known Use

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambidexter was in 1598

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Dictionary Entries Near ambidexter

Cite this Entry

“Ambidexter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambidexter. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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