anserine
|an-ser-ine|
C2
/ˈænsərɪn/
goose-like
Etymology
Etymology Information
'anserine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'anser', where 'anser' meant 'goose'.
Historical Evolution
'anserine' changed from the Latin adjective 'anserinus' (meaning 'of a goose') and entered English via Medieval/Neo-Latin forms to become the modern English word 'anserine'.
Meaning Changes
Initially it meant 'of or relating to geese', but over time it has also been used figuratively to mean 'foolish' (a rarer, later sense).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or resembling a goose; of or like geese.
The farmer noted the anserine neck and gait of the birds in the flock.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/20 01:36