serpent

• Nom désignant un reptile apode, allongé et couvert d'écailles, dont certaines espèces sont venimeuses ; s'emploie aussi pour un feu d'artifice qui se déplace en serpentant lors de l'allumage, ou pour un ancien instrument à vent basse en forme de serpent.

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.

   Serpent (reptile apode)

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

   Synonymesadderophidiansnakeviper

2. C1informal

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

   Serpent (feu d'artifice)

   • 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.

   Serpent (instrument de musique)

   • 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.