好词典

serpentine

UK //ˈsɜː.pən.taɪn//US //ˈsɝː.pən.taɪn//

词源

源自拉丁语 'serpentinus'(与蛇相关的),由 'serpens'(蛇)派生而来,14世纪进入英语。

adjective

❶ 形容事物像蛇一样蜿蜒曲折的形态或运动方式,常用于描述道路、河流或舞蹈动作的曲线美。

“The serpentine road winds through the mountains.”

(蜿蜒的道路在山间盘旋。)

“Her serpentine dance movements captivated the audience.”

(她蛇形般的舞姿让观众着迷。)

❶ 比喻人或行为狡猾、诡计多端,像蛇一样难以捉摸。

“He was known for his serpentine cunning in business deals.”

(他以在商业交易中蛇一般的狡猾闻名。)

“Her serpentine tactics confused her opponents.”

(她狡猾的策略迷惑了对手。)

同义词:winding, twisting, sinuous, meandering, sly

noun

❶ 一种绿色矿物,常带有蛇皮般的花纹,用于装饰或雕刻。

“The bracelet was made of polished serpentine.”

(手镯由抛光的蛇纹石制成。)

“Serpentine is often used in carvings and jewelry.”

(蛇纹石常用于雕刻和珠宝制作。)

同义词:serpentinite, ophicalcite

常见短语

serpentine line — 指排队的队伍呈蛇形弯曲排列,常见于需要控制人群流动的场所。

“Visitors formed a serpentine line outside the popular exhibition.”

(参观者在热门展览外排成了蛇形队伍。)