Pons asinorum

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A method for finding the middle term of a syllogism in Aristotlean analytics.
  2. 2
    a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person wordnet
  3. 3
    An obstacle which will defeat a beginner or foolish person.
  4. 4
    A proposition in Euclid stating that the angles at the base of an isoceles triangle are equal.

    "[H]e had scarce advanced beyond the Pons Asinorum, when his ardour abated, the test of truth by demonstration did not elevate him to those transports of joy with which his preceptor had regaled his expectation; and before he arrived at the fortieth and seventh proposition, he began to yawn drearily […]."

Etymology

From New Latin pons asinorum, from Latin pōns (“bridge”) + genitive plural of asinus (“donkey”). Literally, “bridge of donkeys”.

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