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

The gaff is blown, the anserine guard gives tongue with might and main.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 102, February 6, 1892 by Various

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.