ansa

[ an-suh ]

/ ˈæn sə /

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noun, plural an·sae

[an-see]. /ˈæn si/.

Archaeology. a looped handle, especially of a vase.

Astronomy. either of the apparent extremities of the rings of Saturn or of other planets, especially when viewed from the earth or from spacecraft under certain conditions, when they look like two handles.

Anatomy. a loop-shaped anatomical structure, found primarily in the nervous system.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ansa

First recorded in 1400–50 (in the anatomical sense “zygomatic arch”); 1660–70 for def. 2; Middle English, from Latin ānsa “handle (of a cup or jar), handle (of a door), loop, clamp”

Words nearby ansa

ANPA, ANPR, Anqing, Anquetil, ANS, ansa, Ansar, ansate, Anschauung, Anschluss, Anselm

How to use ansa in a sentence

“My husband and I were in the water for more than four hours,” she said, according to ANSA news service.
‘We’re Going to Die’: Survivors Recount Greek Ferry Fire Horror|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“We do not want any Islamic museum in Venice,” Massimo Bitonci, a senator for the Northern League told ANSA news agency.
An Islamic Louvre On Venice’s Canals|Barbie Latza Nadeau|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told Italian news agency Ansa that he had no idea whether the Vatican was tapped.
NSA Accused of Peeping On The Pope|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Lombroso finds the ear ad ansa, as he calls it—the handle-shaped ear—in 28 per cent.
The Criminal|Havelock Ellis

One ansa, indeed, is sometimes visible without the other, and most commonly it is the Eastern one that is missing.
The Story of the Solar System|George F. Chambers
Desiderius and his wife Ansa endowed this convent with landed property which spread over all the Lombard kingdom.
The Cathedral Builders|Leader Scott
Tell him that, thanks to ten years of glorious efforts, thou hast completed the church of the Ansa-à-Veau.
Toilers of the Sea|Victor Hugo
Ingan, Thunder people, among who are Uianbe-ansa and Wanace-jiga.
Omaha sociology (1884 N 03 / 1881-1882 (pages 205-370))|James Owen Dorsey