pons asinorum

noun pons asi·no·rum \ˈpänz-ˌa-sə-ˈnȯr-əm\

Definition of PONS ASINORUM

: a critical test of ability or understanding; also : stumbling block

New Latin, literally, asses' bridge, name applied to the proposition that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal

First Known Use: 1751

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