serpeggiare

to wind

verb ser-pehd-JAH-reh Rare

Origin: From serpe (snake) — to move like a snake.

Also means

to spread gradually

Usage Note

Serpeggiare describes a winding, snake-like movement — a road, river, or also a rumour spreading through a crowd: un'epidemia che serpeggia (an epidemic spreading quietly). It takes avere or essere depending on usage. Related to serpente (snake) and serpe (literary/poetic for snake).

Examples

"Il sentiero serpeggia tra i boschi."

Natural Translation

The path winds through the woods.

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