serpentine

¹ser·pen·tine

adj \ˈsər-pən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\

Definition of SERPENTINE

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

Examples of SERPENTINE

1. <the country inn lies at the end of a rather serpentine road, but it's worth the trip>

Origin of SERPENTINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French serpentin, from Late Latin serpentinus, from Latin serpent-, serpens

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SERPENTINE

Synonyms: bending, crazy, curled, curling, curved, curving, curvy, devious, crooked, sinuous, tortuous, twisted, twisting, winding, windy

Antonyms: straight, straightaway

Related Words: zigzag, zigzagging; circling, coiled, coiling, corkscrew, looping, spiral, spiraling (or spiralling), swirling; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; meandering, rambling, wandering; irregular, jagged, uneven

Near Antonyms: direct, linear

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