Word of the Day: SERPENTINE
Sinuous or sly like a snake
serpentine (adj) - winding, turning, or sinuous; wily, tempting, or cunning; of, pertaining to, or resembling a snake [sur-puhn-teen]
BREAKDOWN: SERP- (to creep) + -ENT (one who does) + -INE (quality)
serpentine is a compact metamorphic stone often mottled in shades of green, brown, black, and white
to serpentine means to move or follow a winding, curving path or line; to hide or avoid
a serpent is a snake, often a large one; figuratively a sly, treacherous, or malicious person
The root SERP- appears as HERP- in words like herpetology, which is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Also herpes 😳
"Secrets, like invisible snakes, can slither, coil and entwine themselves leaving a serpentine trail throughout our souls... Secrets kept with the best of intentions, can resurface and become lethal to those they were meant to protect. Family secrets are the most venomous of all." ―Deborah Mitton
Very disappointing to see such a fearful description associated with the lunar New Year. Open Learn quotes “The snake in Chinese mythology and symbolism is often associated with wisdom, intelligence and mystery. It is a complex and fascinating creature. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to possess qualities such as charm, intuition and resourcefulness. They are thought to be deep thinkers, often seeking knowledge and understanding in all aspects of life. “ It’s vital to shutdown Fearies/Theories that cause suspicion and division between cultures. We all have a lot to learn from each-other that can be of benefit to our own self awareness and peace of mind.