pons asinorum

[ as-uh-nawr-uh m, -nohr- ]
/ ˌæs əˈnɔr əm, -ˈnoʊr- /

noun

a geometric proposition that if a triangle has two of its sides equal, the angles opposite these sides are also equal: so named from the difficulty experienced by beginners in mastering it. Euclid, 1:5.

Origin of pons asinorum

First recorded in 1745–55, pons asinorum is from the Latin word pōns asinōrum bridge of asses

Words nearby pons asinorum

British Dictionary definitions for pons asinorum

pons asinorum
/ (ˌæsɪˈnɔːrəm) /

noun

the geometric proposition that the angles opposite the two equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal

Word Origin for pons asinorum

Latin: bridge of asses, referring originally to the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid, which was considered difficult for students to learn