serpiginous

adjective

ser·​pig·​i·​nous (ˌ)sər-ˈpi-jə-nəs How to pronounce serpiginous (audio)
: creeping, spreading
especially : healing over in one portion while continuing to advance in another
serpiginous ulcers
serpiginously adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English serpiginose, from Medieval Latin serpiginosus, from serpigin-, serpigo creeping skin disease, from Latin serpere to creep

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serpiginous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near serpiginous

serpierite

serpiginous

serpigo

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Serpiginous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serpiginous. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

serpiginous

adjective
ser·​pig·​i·​nous (ˌ)sər-ˈpij-ə-nəs How to pronounce serpiginous (audio)
: slowly spreading
especially : healing over in one portion while continuing to advance in another
serpiginous ulcer
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