Serpentized

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Definitions

1. Transformed to have characteristics or features resembling a snake; shaped or adapted in a sinuous, winding manner; to undergo alteration into a serpentine form
2. Modified to exhibit snake-like qualities or patterns; bent or twisted in a curving fashion like a serpent; converted into a coiled or sinuous shape
3. Changed so as to mimic the appearance or movement of a snake; contorted into winding or snake-like curves; rendered into a form that resembles a serpent in structure or aspect

Etymology: "Serpentized" is the past tense and past participle of "serpentize," which is built from "serpent" plus the suffix "-ize." The suffix, from Greek "-izein" through Latin "-izare," turns a noun into a verb meaning to make, become, or treat in a certain way, so "serpentize" means to make something resemble a serpent or to take on serpentine features. "Serpent" comes to English through Old French "serpent" from Latin "serpens," the present participle of "serpere," meaning "to creep." The original image is simply of a creature that crawls, which explains why the root later gave rise to the snake sense and also to the winding, sinuous sense the verb carries here.