serpentine

Etymology

From Middle English serpentine, from Old French serpentin, from Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns (“serpent”).

adj

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.

noun

1. Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
2. (historical) An early form of cannon, used in the 16th century.
3. A kind of firework.
4. A coiled distillation tube.
5. (mathematics) Any of several related cubic curves; anguinea
6. (equestrianism) In dressage, a winding walk across on the arena.
7. (mineralogy) 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
8. (geology) An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.

verb

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
   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. 29 Apr 02, 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. 29 Jan 12, Hans-Georg Michna, “GPS getting you into trouble”, in alt.satellite.gps.garmin (Usenet)