serpentine
UK[ˈsɜːpəntaɪn]US[ˈsɜːrpəntiːn]
adj
having a winding course like a moving snake
adj
cunning and treacherous
n
a dark green mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate, sometimes mottled or spotted like a snake's skin
Morpheme Breakdown
serpent
ine
serpent
snake
ine
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word serpentine originates from the latin 'serpentinus', meaning 'of a serpent', which itself derives from 'serpens', the present participle of 'serpere' meaning 'to creep'. this latin verb can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root serp-, also meaning 'to crawl, creep'. the direct morphological link in english is between the noun 'serpent' and the suffix '-ine', which denotes a characteristic quality. thus, the literal meaning 'snake-like' logically extends to describe winding, sinuous shapes, treacherous behavior reminiscent of a serpent's cunning, and a mineral with a mottled appearance similar to a snake's skin.
Analysis
Structure: serpent (snake) + ine (adjective suffix)
serpent (from latin 'serpens, serpent-', meaning 'creeping thing, snake'); ine (a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to, like')
Examples
the path followed a serpentine route up the mountainside.
he was known for his serpentine cunning in political negotiations.
the vase was carved from beautiful, polished serpentine.