Definition

Noun 1. A species of wild equine mammal: Any of several species of undomesticated asses native to arid regions of Asia and northeast Africa. They are characterized by their hardy nature, long ears, and a light gray to fawn-colored coat, often with a dark dorsal stripe.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The wild ass is remarkably adapted to survive in harsh desert environments with little water.
  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of the wild ass.
  • We spotted a small herd of wild asses grazing on the sparse vegetation.

Advanced Usage

• "As stubborn as a wild ass": An idiom (though less common than "stubborn as a mule") used to describe an extremely obstinate person, drawing on the perceived nature of the animal.
  • He won't change his mind; he's as stubborn as a wild ass.

Variants and Related Words

• Onager (n): A specific species of wild ass () found in Asia, also known as the Asiatic wild ass.
  • The onager is one of the fastest mammals in its habitat.
• Kiang (n): A specific species of wild ass () native to the Tibetan Plateau, considered the largest of the wild asses.
  • The kiang is well-suited to the high altitudes of Tibet.

Synonyms

• Untamed ass: An ass that is not domesticated.
• Feral ass (Note: This typically refers to a once-domesticated ass that has returned to the wild, not a true wild species).

Different Meanings / Contexts

• The term "wild ass" is used almost exclusively in a zoological context to refer to the specific wild equine species. It is not typically used as a slang or idiomatic term beyond the occasional simile for stubbornness.

Noun

1. any of several equine mammals of Asia and northeast Africa