serpentine

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈsəːpəntaɪn/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈsɚːpəntaɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)pəntaɪn

Adjective

serpentine (comparative more serpentine, superlative most serpentine)

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.

Noun

serpentine (plural serpentines)

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

Verb

serpentine (third-person singular simple present serpentines, present participle serpentining, simple past and past participle serpentined)

1. (archaic) To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.
   • Lord Lyttelton

     There 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

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈsɜːpəntaɪn/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈsɝːpəntin/, /ˈsɝːpəntaɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)pəntaɪn

Adjective

serpentine (comparative more serpentine, superlative most serpentine)

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

Noun

serpentine (plural serpentines)

1. (mineralogy) Any of several green/brown minerals consisting of a magnesium and iron silicates that have similar layered crystal structure.
2. (geology) An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.