serpentine

¹ser·pen·tine

adjective \ˈsər-pən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\

Definition of SERPENTINE

1

: of or resembling a serpent (as in form or movement)

2

: subtly wily or tempting

3

a : winding or turning one way and another <a serpentine road>

b : having a compound curve whose central curve is convex

— ser·pen·tine·ly adverb

Examples of SERPENTINE

1. <the country inn lies at the end of a rather serpentine road, but it's worth the trip>

Origin of SERPENTINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French serpentin, from Late Latin serpentinus, from Latin serpent-, serpens

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SERPENTINE

Synonyms

bending, crazy, curled, curling, curved, curving, curvy, devious, crooked, sinuous, tortuous, twisted, twisting, winding, windy

Antonyms

straight, straightaway

Related Words

zigzag, zigzagging; circling, coiled, coiling, corkscrew, looping, spiral, spiraling (or spiralling), swirling; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; meandering, rambling, wandering; irregular, jagged, uneven

Near Antonyms

direct, linear

²serpentine

noun

Definition of SERPENTINE

: something that winds sinuously

First Known Use of SERPENTINE

1519

³ser·pen·tine

noun \-ˌtēn\

Definition of SERPENTINE

: a mineral or rock consisting essentially of a hydrous magnesium silicate usually having a dull green color and often a mottled appearance

Origin of SERPENTINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French serpentin, Medieval Latin serpentina, serpentinum, from Late Latin, feminine & neuter of serpentinus resembling a serpent

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Mineralogy Terms

agate, host, inclusion, matrix, streak

serpentine

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a group of magnesium-rich silicate minerals whose composition resembles MgSiO(OH). Serpentine generally occurs in three forms: as chrysotile, the most common variety of asbestos; and as antigorite or lizardite, both of which are commonly massive and fine-grained. Named in allusion to its resemblance to a snake's skin, serpentine is usually grayish, white, or green but may be yellow or green-blue. It takes a high polish and is sometimes used as an ornamental stone.