pons asinorum

noun

pons asi·no·rum ˈpänz-ˌa-sə-ˈnȯr-əm

Synonyms of pons asinorum next

next

: a critical test of ability or understanding

also : stumbling block

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, asses' bridge, name applied to the proposition that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of pons asinorum was in 1645

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Pons

pons asinorum

Ponselle

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pons asinorum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pons%20asinorum. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spontaneous

Listen to the pronunciation of spontaneous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)