SERPENTINE (2)

serpentine (2). Serpentine, a. winding like a serpent, spiral

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Ser″pen‐tine, n. [[Cf. (for sense 1) F. serpentine, (for sense 2) serpentin.]] 1. 1. (Min.) 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.
☞ Serpentine has been largely produced by the alteration of other minerals, especially of chrysolite. 2. 2. (Ordnance) A kind of ancient cannon.