What is "ambidexterity"

Ambidexterity \Am"bi*dex*ter"i*ty\, n.

1. The quality of being ambidextrous; the faculty of using both hands with equal facility. Hence: Versatility; general readiness; as, ambidexterity of argumentation.
   --Sterne.

   Ignorant I was of the human frame, and of its latent powers, as regarded speed, force, and ambidexterity.
   --De Quincey.

2. Double-dealing. (Law) A juror's taking of money from the both parties for a verdict.

1650s, from obsolete adjective ambidexter "two-sided, using both hands with equal facility," also "double-dealing," from Medieval Latin ambidexter (see ambidextrous) + -ity.

n. Property of being equally (l en skillful) with each hand (from the idea that either hand is like the (l en right-hand)).

n. the property of being equally skillful with each hand [syn: ambidextrousness]

Ambidexterity is the state of being equally adapted in the use of both the left and the right hand, and also in using them at the same time. Only about one percent of people are naturally ambidextrous. The degree of versatility with each hand is generally the qualitative factor in determining a person's ambidexterity.

In modern times, it is more common to find some people considered ambidextrous who were originally left-handed and who learned to be ambidextrous, either deliberately or during childhood institutions such as schools, or in jobs where right-handed habits are often emphasized or required. Since many everyday devices (such as can openers and scissors) are asymmetrical and designed for right-handed people, many left-handers learn to use them right-handedly due to the rarity or lack of left-handed models. Thus, left-handed people are much more likely to develop motor skills in their non-dominant hand than right-handed people (who are not subjected to left-favoring devices). Right-handers may become ambidextrous due to an injury of their right hand or arm. Ambidexterity is often encouraged in activities requiring a great deal of skill in both hands, such as typing, juggling, musicianship, surgery, sports and martial arts.