'amphithalmi' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphi-' meaning 'both' and 'thalamos' meaning 'chamber' or 'room'.

'amphi-' combined with 'thalamos' in Greek to form 'amphithalmi', which was adopted into scientific Latin and eventually became the modern English term 'amphithalmi'.

Initially, it meant 'having both chambers', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having both male and female reproductive organs'.