'amphithere' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphi-' meaning 'both' or 'around' and 'ther' meaning 'beast'.

'amphi-' combined with 'ther' in Greek mythology to describe a creature that is both serpent and dragon-like, eventually becoming the modern English word 'amphithere'.

Initially, it meant 'a creature with both serpent and dragon characteristics', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.