▪ I. amphigen1 Bot.
(ˈæmfɪdʒɛn)
[a. Fr. amphigène, f. Gr. ἀµϕί on both sides, around + -γενή-ς born, f. γεν- to produce: see -gen1.]
A synonym of thallogen, applied (after Brongniart) to those Cryptogams, which grow round a central point, including Seaweeds, Lichens, and Fungi.
| 1879 in Syd. Soc. Lex. |
▪ II. † amphigen2 Chem. Obs.
(ˈæmfɪdʒɛn)
[mod. f. Gr. ἀµϕί both + -gen2, taken as = ‘producing.’]
Name given by Berzelius to an element capable of forming in combination with metals, both acids and bases. He included as amphigens, or amphigen bodies, oxygen, sulphur, selenium, and tellurium.
| 1842 [See amphide]. |