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anserine

adjective
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an·​ser·​ine | \ -rə̇n \

Definition of anserine

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or resembling a goose anserine characteristics
b : stupid, silly ridiculous anserine behavior
2 : of or belonging to the Anseres the anserine birds

anserine

noun
an·​ser·​ine | \ -rə̇n \
variants: or less commonly anserin \ -​rə̇n \
plural -s

Definition of anserine (Entry 2 of 2)

: a crystalline base C10H16N4O3 found in the muscles of birds; methyl-carnosine

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First Known Use of anserine

Adjective

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anserine

Adjective

Latin anserinus, from anser goose + -inus -ine

Noun

borrowed from German Anserin, from Latin anser “goose” + German -in -in entry 1, -ine entry 2

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The first known use of anserine was in 1719

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Cite this Entry

“Anserine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anserine. Accessed 19 Sep. 2020.

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