Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Serpentine
Ser′pen-tine
,Adj.
[L.
serpentinus
: cf. F. serpentin
.] 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
braidThy shape
Like his, and color
Like his, and color
serpentine
. Milton.
Ser′pen-tine
,Noun.
[Cf. (for sense 1) F.
serpentine
, (for sense 2) serpentin
.] 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
,Verb.
I.
To serpentize.
[R.]
Lyttleton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Serpentine
SER'PENTINE
,Adj.
1. Resembling a serpent; usually, winding and turing one way and the other, like a moving serpent; anfractuous; as a serpentine road or course.
2. Spiral; twisted; as a serpentine worm of a still.
3. Like a serpent; having the color or properties of a serpent.