ScienceSeptember 6, 2026

ambidexterity

AM-bee-dek-STAIR-ih-tee

Definition

The ability to use both the right and left hands with equal ease or proficiency.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'ambi-' meaning 'both' and 'dexter' meaning 'right-handed' or 'favorable.' The term originally implied having 'two right hands,' suggesting superior skill in both.

In the news

The article uses this term to define the midpoint of a handedness scale, where a person shows no preference for either hand, which is shown to be a very rare trait.

About 11% of people are left-handed but how many are 100% left-handed?

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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