Ass
1. (Science: zoology) a quadruped of the genus equus (E. Asinus), smaller than the horse, and having a peculiarly harsh bray and long ears. The tame or domestic ass is patient, slow, and sure-footed, and has become the type of obstinacy and stupidity. There are several species of wild asses which are swift-footed.
2. A dull, heavy, stupid fellow; a dolt. Asses bridge. Pons asinorum The fifth proposition of the first book of euclid, The angles at the base of an isosceles triangle are equal to one another. A schoolboy, stammering out his asses bridge. . To make an ass of one’s self, to do or say something very foolish or absurd.
Origin: oe. Asse, as. Assa; akin to Icel. Asni, W. Asen, asyn, L. Asinus, dim. Aselus, gr.; also to as. Esol, OHG. Esil, g. Esel, goth. Asilus, dan. Aesel, lith. Asilas, Bohem. Osel, Pol. Osiel. The word is prob. Of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. Athn she ass. Cf. Ease.
Dictionary > Ass
You will also like...
Early Mammals on Earth
The Earth's ecosphere was rapidly changing and throwing up a wide range of ecological niches that new adaptive organisms..
Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics
One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..
Human Neurology
Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..
New Zealand’s Biodiversity
Find out more about New Zealand's unique biodiversity by exploring a range of different ecosystems and the key role of s..
Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis
Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..
..
Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri)
Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matte..