Am'phis-bē'na, n.

n. [Lat. amphisbæna, Gr. ἀμφίσβαινα, a serpent that can go either forward or backward, from ἀμφίς, adv., for ἀμφί, on both sides, and βαίνειν, to go.] (Herp.) A genus of serpents without scales, having the two extremities so much alike that they appear to have a head at each end and ability to move either way. They are often found in the nests of the termites, where they feed upon the young ants.

The Gordius aquaticus, or hair-worm, has been called an amphisbæna; but it belongs among the worms. Dana.