Serpentine

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈsəːpÉ™ntaɪn/
• US IPA: /ˈsɚːpÉ™ntaɪn/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)pÉ™ntaɪn

From Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns ("serpent").

Full definition of serpentine

Adjective

1. Sinuous; curving in alternate directions.The serpentine path through the mountains was narrow and dangerous.
2. Having the shape or form of a snake.There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.
3. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
4. Of, or having attributes associated with, the mythological serpent, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.The wily criminal was known for his serpentine behavior.

Synonyms

• sinuous, curving: sinuous, tortuous, winding
• having the form of a snake: ophidian

Noun

1. Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
2. An early form of cannon.
3. A coiled distillation tube.
4. (maths) Any of several related cubic curves; anguinea

Verb

1. (archaic) To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.
• Lord LytteltonThere were two little lakes, or rather large pools which stood in the bottom, whence issued a rivulet which serpentined in view for two or three miles, offering a pleasing relief to the eye.

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈsɜːpÉ™ntaɪn/
• US IPA: /ˈsɝːpÉ™ntin/, /ˈsɝːpÉ™ntaɪn/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)pÉ™ntaɪn

From resemblance to a serpent's skin.

Adjective

1. (geology, botany) Of or characteristic of serpentine rocks or the plants that grow there.

Noun

1. (mineralogy) Any of several green/brown minerals consisting of a magnesium and iron silicates.
2. (mineralogy) Any of many minerals that have the same layered crystal structure.
3. (geology) An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.
4. (organic compound) An indole alkaloid found in Rauwolfia.