'amphisbaena' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀμφίσβαινα', where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'bainein' meant 'to go'.

'ἀμφίσβαινα' transformed into the Latin word 'amphisbaena', and eventually became the modern English word 'amphisbaena'.

Initially, it meant 'a serpent with two heads', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mythical serpent with a head at each end'.