Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Serpentine
Ser′pen-tine
,Adj.
[L.
serpentinus
: cf. F. serpentin
.] Resembling a serpent; having the shape or qualities of a serpent; subtle; winding or turning one way and the other, like a moving serpent; anfractuous; meandering; sinuous; zigzag;
as,
. serpentine
braidThy shape
Like his, and color
Like his, and color
serpentine
. Milton.
Ser′pen-tine
,Noun.
[Cf. (for sense 1) F.
serpentine
, (for sense 2) serpentin
.] 1.
(Min.)
A mineral or rock consisting chiefly of the hydrous silicate of magnesia. It is usually of an obscure green color, often with a spotted or mottled appearance resembling a serpent’s skin. Precious, or noble, serpentine is translucent and of a rich oil-green color.
☞ Serpentine has been largely produced by the alteration of other minerals, especially of chrysolite.
2.
(Ordnance)
A kind of ancient cannon.
Ser′pen-tine
,Verb.
I.
To serpentize.
[R.]
Lyttleton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Serpentine
SER'PENTINE
,Adj.
1. Resembling a serpent; usually, winding and turing one way and the other, like a moving serpent; anfractuous; as a serpentine road or course.
2. Spiral; twisted; as a serpentine worm of a still.
3. Like a serpent; having the color or properties of a serpent.
Definition 2024
Serpentine
Serpentine
See also: serpentine
English
Proper noun
The Serpentine
Proper noun
Serpentine
- A name given to several rivers in Alaska, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
serpentine
serpentine
See also: Serpentine
English
Pronunciation
Adjective
serpentine (comparative more serpentine, superlative most serpentine)
- Sinuous; curving in alternate directions.
- The serpentine path through the mountains was narrow and dangerous.
- Having the shape or form of a snake.
- There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.
- Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
- Of, or having attributes associated with, the mythological serpent, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.
- The wily criminal was known for his serpentine behavior.
Synonyms
Translations
sinuous, curving
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having the form of a snake
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of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes
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Noun
serpentine (plural serpentines)
- Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
- An early form of cannon.
- A coiled distillation tube.
- (mathematics) Any of several related cubic curves; anguinea
Translations
plant believed to cure snakebites
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early form of cannon
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coiled distillation tube
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Verb
serpentine (third-person singular simple present serpentines, present participle serpentining, simple past and past participle serpentined)
- (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.
- Lord Lyttelton
Etymology 2
Serpentine (mineral)
From Old French serpentine, from resemblance to a serpent's skin.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈsɜːpəntaɪn/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˈsɝːpəntin/, /ˈsɝːpəntaɪn/
- Rhymes: -ɜː(r)pəntaɪn
Adjective
serpentine (comparative more serpentine, superlative most serpentine)
Translations
of or characteristic of serpentine rocks or the plants that grow there
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Noun
serpentine (plural serpentines)
- (mineralogy) Any of several green/brown minerals consisting of a magnesium and iron silicates that have similar layered crystal structure.
- (geology) An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.
Translations
mineral
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outcrop or region
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Hyponyms
- (mineral): antigorite, chrysotile, lizardite