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

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

Initially, it referred to a mythical creature with heads at both ends, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having the ability to move in either direction.'