Etymology From Middle English serpentine, from Old French serpentin, from Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns (“serpent”), equivalent to serpent + -ine.
1
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
2
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.
3
Having the form or shape of a snake.
There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.
4
Curving in alternate directions; sinuous.
The serpentine path through the mountains was narrow and dangerous.
So! keep looking so— / My serpentining beauty, rounds on rounds!1855, Robert Browning, “Andrea del Sarto. (Called ‘the Faultless Painter.’)”, in Men and Women […], volume II, London: Chapman and Hall, […], →OCLC, page 2:
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Between Magherafelt and Macfin its length of 29¼ miles made a rather serpentine line on the map, as it attempted to serve the rather scattered towns and villages that lie between the River Bann and the Dungiven Mountains.1950 December, E. M. Patterson, “An Ulster Round Trip”, in Railway Magazine, page 802:
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Pertaining to the serpentine subgroup of minerals.
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Any of several green/brown minerals consisting of magnesium and iron silicates that have similar layered crystal structure, whose appearance somewhat resembles a snake's skin.
It is reached by five-and-twenty steps of porphyry and serpentine.2020, Hilary Mantel, The Mirror and the Light, Fourth Estate, page 394:
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Geography, Geology, Natural sciences An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.
Etymology From Middle English serpentine, from Old French serpentin, from Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns (“serpent”), equivalent to serpent + -ine.
1
To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.
1813, George Nicholson, The Cambrian Traveller's Guidey There were two little lakes, or rather large pools which stood in the bottom, whence issued a rivulet which serpentined in view for two or three miles, offering a pleasing relief to the eye.
The mountains were fully in their gorgeous autumn garb the next morning, as the train serpentined up and up toward the divide.1912, William B. Simmons, “The First Tripper”, in Hamilton Literary Magazine, volume 47, page 123:
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Most great mountain riders carve up the slope, serpentining as he climbs up the mountain. A mountain rider will as he loses momentum will turn out a bit, reducing the angle of attack. He will continue carving switchbacks, using body english jumping from one side of his sled to the other, as he continues climbing higher and higher.2002 April 29, mixgreg, “Mountain Sledding”, in rec.sport.snowmobiles (Usenet):
At least one road here (the one serpentining up the mountain to Urfeld at the Walchensee) is prohibited for bicycles on weekends.2012 January 29, Hans-Georg Michna, “GPS getting you into trouble”, in alt.satellite.gps.garmin (Usenet):