serpent

• 无腿、有鳞、身体细长的爬行动物，某些种类有毒；也指点燃后呈蛇形运动的一种烟花，或指一种外形似蛇的旧式低音木管乐器。

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.

   蛇

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

   同义词adderophidiansnakeviper

2. C1informal

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

   蛇形烟花

   • 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.

   蛇号

   • 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.