I. ˈsər-pən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French serpentin, from Late Latin serpentinus, from Latin serpent-, serpens
Date: 15th century
1. : of or resembling a serpent (as in form or movement)
2. : subtly wily or tempting
3.
a. : winding or turning one way and another
a serpentine road
b. : having a compound curve whose central curve is convex
• ser·pen·tine·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1519
: something that winds sinuously
III. -ˌtēn noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French serpentin, Medieval Latin serpentina, serpentinum, from Late Latin, feminine & neuter of serpentinus resembling a serpent
Date: 15th century
: a mineral or rock consisting essentially of a hydrous magnesium silicate usually having a dull green color and often a mottled appearance