serpent
UK: /ˈsɜː.pənt/ | US: /ˈsɝː.pənt/
n. a large snake, especially in literary or mythological contexts
n. (figurative) a deceitful or treacherous person
The word "serpent" traces back to Latin serpens (from serpere, meaning "to creep"), reflecting the animal's slithering movement. The morpheme serp- preserves the original Latin root, while -ent functions as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the term evolved to symbolize not just the physical creature but also metaphorical deceit, likely due to the biblical association of the serpent with cunning in the Garden of Eden.
The ancient temple was carved with images of a winged serpent.
He warned them about the serpent in their midst, plotting betrayal.
In the myth, the hero battles a fiery serpent guarding the treasure.
Her smile was warm, but her eyes held the cold calculation of a serpent.
The river twisted like a serpent through the valley.