amphisbaena

‖n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; on both ends + &unr_; to go. ] 1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbaena; but it belongs among the worms. [ 1913 Webster ]