Serpent
/ˈsɜː.pənt/noun
A long, limbless reptile that moves by means of lateral undulation or by contracting its body and pushing forward.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, serpents symbolized both wisdom and danger, often representing duality in creation myths and rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*serp-
“to creep or crawl, often associated with slithering movement.”
Latin
Latin
serpens
“a creeping or crawling thing, particularly a snake.”
Old French
Old French
serpent
“a snake or serpent, often used in literary and religious contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
serpent
“a snake; often associated with evil or treachery in biblical texts.”
Modern English
English
serpent
“a term for a snake, frequently imbued with symbolic and mythological significance.”