Anserine

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈansəɹʌɪn/

Definitions

1. Relating to or resembling a goose, particularly in behavior or appearance
2. Pertaining to characteristics or traits akin to those of a goose, especially in terms of mannerisms or physical attributes
3. Describing anything that has qualities reminiscent of geese, often in behavior or visual aspects

Etymology: "Anserine" comes from Latin "anserinus," meaning "of a goose," built on "anser," the ordinary Latin word for goose. The Latin suffix "-inus" (English "-ine") turns a noun into an adjective of relation, so the word is essentially "goose-like" in the most literal sense: something that resembles or relates to geese. The word is most often met today in its anatomical and figurative senses rather than its plain zoological one. In anatomy it describes the three-pronged tendon that spreads across the inner knee, whose shape was thought to resemble a goose's foot. Its figurative use, meaning silly or foolish, follows the familiar English habit of calling someone a goose for being simple-minded.