amphisbaena

== English == === Alternative forms === amphisbæna === Etymology === From Latin amphisbaena, from Ancient Greek ἀμφίσβαινα (amphísbaina, from ἀμφίς (amphís, “both ways”) +‎ βαίνω (baínō, “to go”)). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /æmfɪsˈbiːnə/ === Noun === amphisbaena (plural amphisbaenas) (mythology) A mythical serpent having a head at each end of its body, able to move in either direction. 1971: What do you call that animal that goes backward and forward, head at each end? —'Amphisbaena'. A kind of lizard. It doesn't exist. — Anthony Burgess, M/F (Penguin 2004, p. 109) A member of a genus of lizards, native to the Americas, having extremities which are very similar. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====