adjective / noun
serpentine
SUR-pun-teen/ˈsɜːrpəntiːn/
Winding in a snakelike course.
A narrow serpentine road curves back and forth across green hills.
Etymology
The pieces mean “snake-like,” with the resemblance here lying in movement or shape. A serpentine path twists and winds as a snake does when it moves.
In context
Let's draw this cool serpentine curve that looks topographical.
More examples
- The river follows a serpentine course through the valley.
- Fans form a serpentine line outside the stadium.
- The rider guides her horse through a series of serpentines.
Forms
serpentine · serpentines
Similar words
- winding
- Describes repeated turns without necessarily suggesting a snake's shape.
- sinuous
- Emphasizes smooth, flowing curves, often in graceful movement.