pons asinorum — [pänz′ as΄i nō′rəm] n. [ModL, lit., bridge of asses] 1. Geom. the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid (that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal) 2. any problem hard for beginners … English World dictionary
Pons asinorum — The pons asinorum in Byrne s edition of the Elements showing part of Euclid s proof. Pons asinorum (Latin for bridge of asses ) is the name given to Euclid s fifth proposition in Book 1 of his Elements of geometry, also known as the theorem on… … Wikipedia
pons asinorum — /as euh nawr euhm, nohr / 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. [1745 55; < L… … Universalium
pons asinorum — The bridge of asses. Traditionally it is hard to get asses to cross a bridge. In mathematics, the term is applied to the problem from the first book of Euclid that if two sides of a triangle are equal then the angles opposite those sides are also … Philosophy dictionary
pons asinorum — noun Etymology: New Latin, literally, asses bridge, name applied to the proposition that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal Date: 1751 a critical test of ability or understanding; also stumbling block … New Collegiate Dictionary
PONS ASINORUM — (i. e. Bridge of Asses), the fifth proposition in the 1st book of Euclid, so called for the difficulty many a tyro has in mastering it … The Nuttall Encyclopaedia
pons asinorum — [ˌasɪ nɔ:rəm] noun a theory or formula that is difficult for learners to grasp. Origin C18: L., lit. bridge of asses , term taken from the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid … English new terms dictionary
pons asinorum — /pɒnz æsəˈnɔrəm/ (say ponz asuh nawruhm) noun the geometrical proposition (Euclid, 1:5) 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… …
pons asinorum — noun a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person • Hypernyms: ↑problem … Useful english dictionary
pons as|i|no|rum — «AS uh NR uhm, NOHR », 1. asses bridge; a reference to the fifth proposition in the first book of Euclid, which was difficult to “get over” for beginners. 2. any problem that is difficult for beginners. ╂[< New Latin pons asinorum < Latin… … Useful english dictionary
