Elements which possess characters of both inetals and non-metals are called ____ .

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term used to describe elements that exhibit characteristics of both metals and non-metals.

2. **Identifying the Characteristics**: Elements that have properties of both metals and non-metals typically show a mix of metallic and non-metallic traits. For instance, they may conduct electricity but not as well as metals, and they may be brittle rather than malleable.

3. **Defining the Term**: The elements that possess both metallic and non-metallic characteristics are known as **metalloids**.

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