Serpentine: meaning, definitions and examples

Refer to the first definition.

Commonly used to describe a variety of green-hued metamorphic rocks, frequently used in archaeology to refer to ancient stone tools or ornaments made from these rocks.

• The museum's collection includes several tools made from greenstone.
• Greenstone artifacts were highly valued by the ancient civilization.

Primarily used in geology to specify a type of rock consisting mainly of serpentine and ophiorite, often found in ophitic textures.

• The geologist identified the sample as ophite.
• Ophite formations are common in this region.

The word 'serpentine' describes something that twists and turns like a snake, often with elegant or mysterious connotations. It is frequently used in literature and descriptive writing to evoke a vivid image.

• The path through the forest was serpentine, winding gracefully among the ancient trees.
• Her serpentine movements on the dance floor captivated everyone.

The term 'twisty' is informal and can describe something with a lot of sharp, abrupt turns. It often carries a playful or casual tone and can be used to describe roads, stories, or anything with lots of sudden changes.

• The twisty mountain roads made the drive both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
• She loved reading twisty mystery novels that kept her guessing until the very end.

'Curving' is a more general term that simply indicates a bend or curve without any specific connotations. It’s suitable for everyday descriptions of roads, lines, and other objects that bend.

• The curving road made the drive to the countryside scenic and enjoyable.
• He admired the elegant, curving lines of the modern sculpture.