asses' bridge

noun

: the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid: the angles at the base of an isoceles triangle are equal to one another
a schoolboy, stammering out his asses' bridge—Frederic Harrison

Word History

Etymology

translation of New Latin pons asinorum; probably from the similarity of the geometrical construction demonstrating it to the trusses of a bridge and from its being considered a difficulty for poor students of geometry

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Dictionary Entries Near asses' bridge

asses

asses' bridge

assess

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Cite this Entry

“Asses' bridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asses%27%20bridge. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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