pons asinorum

[as-uh-nawr-uhm, -nohr-]

noun

Geometry.

1. 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.

pons asinorum

/ ˌæsɪˈnɔːrəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pons asinorum¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from Latin pōns asinōrum “bridge of asses”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pons asinorum¹

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