serpentine
pronunciation
How to pronounce serpentine in British English:
UK [ˈsɜːpəntaɪn]
How to pronounce serpentine in American English:
US [ˈsɜːpəntiːn]
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- Adjective:
- resembling a serpent in form
Word Origin
- serpentine (n.)
- c. 1400, "plant reputed to contain antivenom," from Old French serpentin name of a precious stone, noun use of adjective meaning "of a snake, snake-like; sly, deceptive," from Late Latin serpentius "of a serpent," from Latin serpentem (nominative serpens) "snake" (see serpent). As the name of a greenish igneous rock consisting mainly of hydrous magnesium silicate, attested from early 15c.
- serpentine (adj.)
- "twisting, winding," 1610s; see serpent + -ine (1). An earlier adjective meaning "having the evil qualities of a serpent" is recorded from late 14c., from the French source of serpentine (n.). The winding lake of that name in Hyde Park, London, was constructed in 1730.
Example
- 1. According to preliminary market research prepared by freedonia custom research , the top five local serpentine producers in china supplied more than 75 % of domestic demand in value terms in 2009 .
- 2. Andy 's thoughts touched on turner as he made his way down the serpentine path .
- 3. If the serpentine dance is to end , what does this mean ?
- 4. Tremolite laths and serpentine minerals are present in places .
- 5. Install the serpentine drive belt and tighten to obtain the specified tension .