serpentine
1 Americanadjective
noun
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a device on a harquebus lock for holding the match.
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a cannon having any of various bore sizes, used from the 15th to the 17th century.
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Skating. a school figure made by skating two figure eights that share one loop.
verb (used without object)
noun
noun
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a dark green or brown mineral with a greasy or silky lustre, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is used as an ornamental stone; and one variety (chrysotile) is known as asbestos. Composition: hydrated magnesium silicate. Formula: Mg 3 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 . Crystal structure: monoclinic
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any of a group of minerals having the general formula (Mg,Fe) 3 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4
adjective
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of, relating to, or resembling a serpent
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twisting; winding
noun
Etymology
Origin of serpentine1
First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English (adjective) from Old French serpentin, serpentine and Latin serpentīnus “snakelike”; see origin at Serpens, -ine 1 ( def. )
Origin of serpentine2
First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English serpentin(e), from Old French serpentine and Medieval Latin serpentīnum (neuter) and serpentīna (feminine), noun use of neuter of serpentīnus serpentine 1
Explanation
You can use the adjective serpentine to describe things that look like a serpent or are snakelike. Looking down at the carved riverbeds in the Grand Canyon is like looking into a basket of snakes: the serpentine twists curve throughout the canyon floor. Not everyone likes snakes, but those who aren’t grossed out by the highly flexible bodies of serpents might enjoy using the word serpentine for things that resemble their snaky, curvy lines. Strands of hair, cracks in dry desert, and roller-coaster rides can look serpentine, and you might tangle with a serpentine hose while minding your own business and watering the plants. Sometimes serpentine even describes people who are snakelike or slippery in character.
Vocabulary lists containing serpentine
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The artwork depicts a fantastical creature combining multiple striking features, including a spiral horn, elongated snout, hooked teeth, wings, and a serpentine tail.
From Science Daily ● May 4, 2026
With that as the framework from which “House of Ashur” operates, Tarabay understands the eternal allure of the gladiator as opposed to the serpentine psychological maneuvering of Roman senators.
From Salon ● Dec. 7, 2025
The stone, set in a serpentine ring, once belonged to Rachel Lambert Mellon, better known as Bunny Mellon, a US horticulturalist, philanthropist and art collector.
From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2025
Downtown, where bluffs rise above the serpentine Mississippi River, George Campbell was walking his goldendoodle, Zac, when he spotted a group of National Guard soldiers in fatigues, handguns holstered at their hips.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2025
The river wound into the dark forest, cutting its serpentine route into the unknown.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
“Through the peaks and valleys and alleyways we serpentined through together you were always there,” he continued.
From Fox News ● Jun. 10, 2019
Downstairs, a line that started forming nearly an hour early had serpentined past racks of fluorescent wigs and novelty socks all the way to the front door.
From New York Times ● Feb. 28, 2019
As they serpentined down the murky Itaquaí, signs of civilization receded.
From Washington Post
In Tunis an angry mob, forming spontaneously, serpentined through the narrow streets shouting "Down with Italy!" and "Long Live France!"
From Time Magazine Archive
That "doughnut" of air under his arms meant that he would probably bob through with dry hair while I serpentined over and under an oar.
From Down the Yellowstone by Lewis R. (Lewis Ransome) Freeman
John Wallace kicked field goals of 37 and 39 yards, the latter coming after Chucky Williams’ serpentining interception return and giving Louisville a one-point lead with 1:25 left in the third.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 30, 2015
Then the rapture overflows the spectator's brain, and the Master, arrayed in a serpentining garment, appears in the path before him.
From A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.) by Mrs. Sutherland Orr
Gullies and vertical rifts scored the highway serpentining hither and thither, the chasms gaping to swallow the Gloria or at least bite off a wheel.
From The Car of Destiny by Armand Both
Millions of sparks flew from the engine and crossed one another in the darkness, serpentining in long golden lines.
From Tales by Polish Authors by Various
There's a serpentining walk up each of the mounds, that gives you the yard and neighbourhood changing every moment.
From Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
