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Added 10 October 2026

serpentine

/ˈsɜː.pənˌtaɪn/ adjective

In Latin: serpentīnus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about serpentine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
Of, or having attributes associated with, the serpent referred to in the book of Genesis in the Bible, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.
The wily criminal was known for his serpentine behavior.
Having the form or shape of a snake.
There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.

noun

Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
An early form of cannon, used in the 16th century.
A kind of firework.

verb

To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.

Origin

From Middle English serpentine, from Old French serpentin, from Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns (“serpent”), equivalent to serpent + -ine.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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