'amphipneustic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphipneustos,' where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'pneustos' meant 'breathed.'

'amphipneustos' transformed into the modern English word 'amphipneustic' through scientific terminology.

Initially, it meant 'having both gills and lungs,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.