snake-like
UK[ˈsneɪklaɪk]US[ˈsneɪklaɪk]
adj
resembling a snake in form, movement, or character.
Morpheme Breakdown
snake
like
snake
serpent
like
resembling
Etymology
the compound 'snake-like' is a modern english formation built from two native germanic elements. the first element, 'snake', descends from the old english 'snaca', a term for the limbless reptile, whose origins are proto-germanic. the second element, '-like', originates from the old english noun 'līc', meaning 'body' or 'form', which evolved into a productive suffix denoting resemblance. the compound logically and transparently conveys the meaning of possessing the physical form, sinuous movement, or perceived treacherous nature associated with a snake, creating a vivid descriptive adjective.
Analysis
Structure: snake (serpent) + like (resembling)
- snake: from old english 'snaca', meaning serpent. functions as the base noun denoting the animal.
- like: from old english 'līc', meaning body, form; akin to. functions as a suffix meaning 'having the form or characteristics of'.
Examples
the river followed a snake-like path through the valley.
she moved with a snake-like grace through the crowded room.
the plant's snake-like vines coiled around the fence post.