'amphisbaenid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphisbaena,' where 'amphis' meant 'both ways' and 'bainein' meant 'to go.'

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

Initially, it referred to a mythical serpent with a head at each end, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a legless lizard.