Category:Serpentine

Ser"pen*tine, a. Etym: [l. serpentinus: cf. F. serpentin.]

Defn: 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 braid. Thy shape like his, and color serpentine. Milton.

Serpentine Ser"pen*tine, n. Etym: [cf. (for sense 1) f. serpentine, (for sense 2) serpentin.]

1. (min.)

Defn: 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.

Note: serpentine has been largely produced by the alteration of other Minerals, especially of chrysolite.

2. (ordnance)

Defn: a kind of ancient cannon.

Serpentine Ser"pen*tine, v. i.

Defn: to serpentize. [r.] Lyttleton.