adjective

ambidextrous

am-bee-DEK-strus/ˌæmbiˈdekstrəs/

Equally effective with either hand.

The ambidextrous artist draws equally precise sketches with both hands.

A young man draws two equally precise matching botanical sketches simultaneously, one with each hand.

Etymology

ambiLatinboth, on both sides

+dextrLatinright-handed

+ousLatinhaving, full of

The literal image is being “right-handed on both sides”: each hand has the skill associated with the right hand. This expresses equal ability with either hand.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin37:20

they are revolutionizing the way we see evolution introducing lamarckian elements into it so because consider for example a right-handed person right-handed person can practice his left hand and become ambidextrous

Brain Neuroplasticity: Neuroscience of Self-states

More examples

An ambidextrous player switched hands without losing accuracy.
She was nearly ambidextrous when using a paintbrush.
The test compared ambidextrous and strongly right-handed participants.

Forms

ambidextrous

ambidexterity noun — skill with either hand

Similar words

left-handed: Left-handed favors the left hand; ambidextrous means effective with either.
versatile: Versatile means having varied abilities; ambidextrous specifically concerns use of both hands.