asinus
Usually compared to Ancient Greek ὄνος (ónos) (which cannot be its direct ancestor), and, just like other IE words for "ass", must be traced back to an unknown substrate source in Asia Minor (compare Hieroglyphic Luwian [script needed] (tarkasna), Sumerian 𒀲 (anše)). The lack of rhotacismof the single intervocalic -s- after a short vowel would point to a recent borrowing.
Pronunciation
- (Classical Latin) IPA(key): [ˈa.sɪ.nʊs]
- (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): [ˈaː.s̬i.nus]
Noun
asinus m (genitive asinī); second declension
- donkey, ass
- (figuratively, humorous, derogatory) ass, cretin, idiot, dolt, blockhead, donkey (a slow-witted, inept person)
- Synonyms: see Thesaurus:homo stultus
Declension
Second-declension noun.
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | asinus | asinī |
| genitive | asinī | asinōrum |
| dative | asinō | asinīs |
| accusative | asinum | asinōs |
| ablative | asinō | asinīs |
| vocative | asine | asinī |