serpentine Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite resembling a serpent in form
    snakelike; snaky.
    • a serpentine wall
    • snaky ridges in the sand

WordNet

Ser"pen*tine adjective
Etymology
L. serpentinus: cf. F. serpentin.
Definitions
  1. 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 braid.
    Thy shape Like his, and color serpentine. Milton.
Ser"pen*tine noun
Etymology
Cf. (for sense 1) F. serpentine, (for sense 2) serpentin.
Definitions
  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 intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To serpentize. R. Lyttleton.

Webster 1913