serpent

• Sustantivo que designa un reptil alargado, sin patas y cubierto de escamas, algunas especies del cual son venenosas; también se usa para referirse a un fuego artificial que al encenderse se desplaza de forma serpenteante, o a un antiguo corneta bajo de forma serpentina.

A noun referring to a limbless, scaly, elongated reptile, some species of which are venomous; also used for a firework that moves in a serpentine manner when ignited, or an obsolete bass cornet resembling a snake.

1. Limbless reptileB1formal

   A limbless, scaly, elongate reptile; some species are venomous.

   serpiente

   • The serpent slithered silently through the grass.
   • Ancient myths often feature a giant serpent guarding treasure.
   • The biologist carefully studied the serpent's scales.

   Sinónimosadderophidiansnakeviper

2. C1informal

   A type of firework that moves in a twisting, serpentine manner when ignited.

   Serpentina (fuego artificial)

   • The children watched the serpent firework dance across the sky.
   • The display ended with a brilliant serpent of sparks.
   • He lit the serpent and it wriggled along the ground.

3. Musical instrumentC2formal

   An obsolete bass wind instrument made of wood, shaped like a snake, and played with a mouthpiece.

   Serpiente (instrumento musical)

   • The museum displayed a rare serpent from the 18th century.
   • The musician played a haunting melody on the serpent.
   • The serpent was used in military bands before being replaced by the tuba.