| asbestos, serpentine | <chemical> A type of asbestos that occurs in nature as the dihydrate of magnesium silicate. It exists in two forms: antigorite, a plated variety, and chrysotile, a fibrous variety. The latter makes up 95% of all asbestos products. Pharmacological action: carcinogens. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| serpentine | 1. <chemical> A mineral or rock consisting chiefly of the hydrous silicate of magnesia. It is usually of an obscure green colour, often with a spotted or mottled appearance resembling a serpent's skin. Precious, or noble, serpentine is translucent and of a rich oil-green colour. Serpentine has been largely produced by the alteration of other minerals, especially of chrysolite. 2. A kind of ancient cannon. Origin: Cf. (for sense 1) F. Serpentine, (for sense 2) serpentin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| serpentine aneurysm | Dilation and tortuosity of an artery, sometimes affecting the temporal, splenic, or iliac arteries in the elderly. (05 Mar 2000) |