pons asinorum

noun

A method for finding the middle term of a syllogism in Aristotlean analytics.

OriginNew Latin pons asinorum ← Latin pōns →
First used 17th c.
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Meanings

nounpons asinorum (plural pontes asinorum)

plural pontes asinorum

  1. human sciencesA method for finding the middle term of a syllogism in Aristotlean analytics.First known use 17th c.
  2. An obstacle which will defeat a beginner or foolish person.First known use 17th c.
  3. geometryA proposition in Euclid stating that the angles at the base of an isoceles triangle are equal.First known use 18th c.
    1 more example

    [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 […].

    1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volume (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC

Origin

  1. Latinpōns“bridge”
  2. New Latinpons asinorum
  3. Englishpons asinorum

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

More words from New Latin, Latin

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

pons asinorum. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pons%20asinorum

MLA

“pons asinorum.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pons%20asinorum. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pons asinorum,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pons%20asinorum.

Source: pons asinorum on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.