anserine

American  

[an-suh-rahyn, -rin] / ˈæn səˌraɪn, -rɪn /

Or anserous

adjective

1. of or relating to the subfamily Anserinae, of the family Anatidae, comprising the true geese.

2. resembling a goose; gooselike.

3. stupid; foolish; silly.

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anserine British  

/ ˈænsəˌraɪn, -rɪn, ˈænsərəs /

adjective

1. of or resembling a goose

2. of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily Anserinae, which includes geese, swans, and certain ducks: family Anatidae, order Anseriformes

3. silly; foolish

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Etymology

Origin of anserine

1830–40; < Latin anserīnus of, pertaining to geese, equivalent to anser goose + -īnus -ine ¹

Example Sentences

The protective effects of exercise on anserine, indole-3-carboxylate, and deoxyinosine levels suggest these compounds may serve as biomarkers or even therapeutic agents for mood disorders.

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

Three metabolites known to play a role in mood regulation -- anserine, indole-3-carboxylate, and deoxyinosine -- were reduced by the cafeteria diet but rebounded with exercise.

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

I scorn the anserine Gladstonian throng, Whose mouthpiece is the Gaily Dews.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, Nov. 11, 1887 by Various

Maggi's Instruments for Gunshot Wounds:-- 6 a, b, c, separable bullet forceps; 7, bullet spatula; 8, 9, anserine bullet forceps, separable and with a screw-crushing arrangement.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.

Since then he had respected her person, but to the day of his death he had cursed her for anserine stupidity.

From The Belovéd Vagabond by Locke, William John