Snake vs. Serpentine — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 12, 2024
Snake refers to a limbless reptile, often feared or revered, while serpentine is an adjective describing something snake-like in shape or movement, or a type of rock.
Difference Between Snake and Serpentine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Snake is a specific type of reptile characterized by its elongated, limbless body and carnivorous diet, whereas serpentine refers to a winding or twisting movement resembling a snake's motion. This adjective can be applied to various contexts, like roads or paths, to describe their sinuous layout.
A snake, as a living creature, plays distinct roles in ecosystems, primarily as predators and sometimes prey, while serpentine as a descriptor or noun doesn't imply biological characteristics but rather mimics the physical form or motion of a snake.
While snake biology and behavior have been subjects of study, contributing significantly to our understanding of herpetology and ecology, the term serpentine is often used metaphorically in literature and art to evoke a sense of sneaking or creeping, which broadens its application beyond the literal.
The diversity among snakes is vast, with over 3,000 species ranging from the harmless garter snake to the deadly cobra, whereas serpentine can describe a variety of objects or concepts, all united by their shared characteristic of curviness, not diversity.
Snakes are often associated with danger and fear in many cultures, leading to various myths and misconceptions, on the other hand, serpentine objects or movements are frequently viewed as mesmerizing and are utilized in design and aesthetics for their visually appealing nature.
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Comparison Chart
Feature
Snake
Serpentine
Definition
A limbless, carnivorous reptile.
Resembling a snake in form or movement.
Context of Usage
Zoology, mythology, culture.
Geography, design, literature.
Symbolism
Danger, fertility, transformation.
Stealth, sneakiness, allure.
Related Terminology
Herpetology, venom, scales.
Sinuous, winding, coiling.
Compare with Definitions
Snake
A reptile with a long, thin body and no legs.
The snake slithered silently through the underbrush.
Serpentine
Sly or cunning; insidious.
His serpentine tactics often left his opponents confused and defeated.
Snake
A device resembling a snake, used for clearing drains.
He used a snake to unclog the kitchen sink.
Serpentine
Belonging to a serpent.
In the tale, the sorcerer wielded a serpentine staff.
Snake
A deceitful or treacherous person.
He proved to be a snake after betraying his colleagues.
Serpentine
Resembling the mineral serpentine in color or pattern.
The sculpture was carved from a block of green serpentine.
Snake
Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes . Like all other squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales.
Serpentine
A type of rock composed predominantly of hydrated magnesium silicate.
The geologist identified the stone as serpentine.
Snake
See Shoshone.
Serpentine
Winding or twisting like a snake.
The serpentine road up the mountain was a challenging drive.
Snake
See Hydra.
Serpentine
Of or resembling a serpent, as in form or movement; sinuous.
Snake
Any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous squamate reptiles of the suborder Serpentes (or Ophidia), having a long, tapering, cylindrical body and flexible jaws.
Serpentine
Subtly sly and tempting.
Snake
A treacherous person. Also called snake in the grass.
Serpentine
Relating to or associated with serpentinite or soil derived from it.
Snake
A long, highly flexible metal wire or coil used for cleaning drains. Also called plumber's snake.
Serpentine
Any of a group of greenish, brownish, or mottled minerals, Mg3Si2O5(OH)4, including chrysotile, a variety of asbestos.
Snake
To drag or pull lengthwise, especially to drag with a rope or chain.
Serpentine
A metamorphic rock containing serpentine minerals; serpentinite.
Snake
To pull with quick jerks.
Serpentine
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
Snake
To move in a sinuous or gliding manner
Tried to snake the rope along the ledge.
Serpentine
Of, or having attributes associated with, the serpent referred to in the book of Genesis in the Bible, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.
The wily criminal was known for his serpentine behavior.
Snake
To move with a sinuous motion
The river snakes through the valley.
Serpentine
Having the form or shape of a snake.
There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.
Snake
A legless reptile of the suborder Serpentes with a long, thin body and a fork-shaped tongue.
Serpentine
Curving in alternate directions; sinuous.
The serpentine path through the mountains was narrow and dangerous.
Snake
A treacherous person; a rat.
Serpentine
Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
Snake
Somebody who acts deceitfully for social gain.
Serpentine
(historical) An early form of cannon, used in the 16th century.
Snake
A tool for unclogging plumbing.
Serpentine
A kind of firework.
Snake
A tool to aid cable pulling.
Serpentine
A coiled distillation tube.
Snake
(Australia) A flavoured jube (confectionary) in the shape of a snake.
Serpentine
(maths) Any of several related cubic curves; anguinea Category:en:Curves
Snake
(slang) Trouser snake; the penis.
Serpentine
(equestrian) In dressage, a winding walk across on the arena.
Snake
(maths) A series of Bézier curves.
Serpentine
(mineralogy) Any of several green/brown minerals consisting of magnesium and iron silicates that have similar layered crystal structure, whose appearance somewhat resembles a snake's skin.
Snake
(cartomancy) The seventh Lenormand card.
Serpentine
(geology) An outcrop or region with soil and rock dominated by these minerals.
Snake
An informer; a rat.
Gem’s a snake for Kamale, man.
Serpentine
(archaic) To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.
Snake
(intransitive) To follow or move in a winding route.
The path snaked through the forest.
The river snakes through the valley.
Serpentine
Resembling a serpent; having the shape or qualities of a serpent; subtle; winding or turning one way and the other, like a moving serpent; anfractuous; meandering; sinuous; zigzag; as, serpentine braid.
Thy shapeLike his, and color serpentine.
Snake
To steal slyly.
He snaked my DVD!
Serpentine
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.
Snake
(transitive) To clean using a plumbing snake.
Serpentine
A kind of ancient cannon.
Snake
To drag or draw, as a snake from a hole; often with out.
Serpentine
To serpentize.
Snake
(nautical) To wind round spirally, as a large rope with a smaller, or with cord, the small rope lying in the spaces between the strands of the large one; to worm.
Serpentine
Resembling a serpent in form;
A serpentine wall
Snaky ridges in the sand
Snake
(MLE) To inform; to rat.
He says he didn't snake and I believe him.
Snake
Any species of the order Ophidia; an ophidian; a serpent, whether harmless or venomous. See Ophidia, and Serpent.
Snake
To drag or draw, as a snake from a hole; - often with out.
Snake
To wind round spirally, as a large rope with a smaller, or with cord, the small rope lying in the spaces between the strands of the large one; to worm.
Snake
To crawl like a snake.
Snake
Limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
Snake
A deceitful or treacherous person
Snake
A tributary of the Columbia River that rises in Wyoming and flows westward; discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Snake
A long faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near the equator stretching between Virgo and Cancer
Snake
Something resembling a snake
Snake
Move smoothly and sinuously, like a snake
Snake
Form a snake-like pattern;
The river snakes through the valley
Snake
Move along a winding path;
The army snaked through the jungle
Snake
An insignia in the form of a snake, often used in medicine.
The medical symbol features two snakes winding around a staff.
Snake
A tool in electrical work to pull wires through conduits.
The electrician used a snake to route the new wiring.
Common Curiosities
What is a snake?
A snake is a limbless reptile with an elongated body, covered in scales.
How does serpentine rock form?
Serpentine rock forms at the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through tectonic processes.
What does serpentine mean?
Serpentine refers to anything that resembles a snake in form or movement.
Is serpentine jewelry common?
Yes, serpentine is used in jewelry, often appreciated for its green color and smooth texture.
Can serpentine be used to describe personality?
Yes, describing someone as serpentine suggests they are cunning and possibly deceitful.
Can snakes be pets?
Yes, many people keep snakes as pets, with species like ball pythons being popular due to their manageable size and docile nature.
Are all snakes dangerous?
No, while some snakes are venomous and dangerous, many species are harmless to humans.
What habitats do snakes prefer?
Snakes inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, deserts, oceans, and freshwater.
What myths are associated with snakes?
Snakes feature prominently in myths, often symbolizing evil, healing, or rebirth.
What are the artistic representations of serpentine?
In art, serpentine forms may represent fluidity and grace, often used in sculptures and decorative arts.
How can serpentine shapes influence design?
Serpentine shapes add visual interest and dynamics to design, often used in architecture and landscape.
Do serpentine belts relate to the animal?
No, a serpentine belt in machinery mimics the winding motion but is unrelated to the animal.
How do snakes contribute to the ecosystem?
Snakes control pest populations, serving an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
What common snakes are found in households?
Common non-venomous household snakes include garter snakes and corn snakes.
What are the uses of serpentine stone?
Besides jewelry, serpentine stone is used in carving, decoration, and as an architectural stone.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
