Serpentine

hairpin bend, switchback curve

noun zer-pen-TEE-ne Rare

Origin: from Latin serpentinus (snake-like)

Also means

serpentine road (winding mountain road)

Usage Note

Serpentine describes a tight S-curve or hairpin on a mountain road; Serpentinen (plural) denotes a series of switchbacks. Drivers are warned to use lower gears and brake carefully on Serpentinen.

Examples

"Die Bergstraße führt in engen Serpentinen hinauf."

Natural Translation

The mountain road climbs in tight switchbacks.

Literal Translation

The mountain-road leads in tight serpentines upward.

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