snaking

Snaking is a term used to describe a sinuous, winding movement or path. It is applied in biology to describe the curved, wave-like locomotion of snakes, and in everyday language to refer to any item or route that curves or meanders in a serpentine fashion. The word can also describe actions or designs that emulate a snake’s graceful, undulating form.

In snakes, snaking movement encompasses several locomotor modes. The most common is lateral undulation, where the body forms successive curves that press against the ground to push forward. Other forms include sidewinding, used on loose surfaces; concertina, which involves alternating extension and compression in tight passages; and rectilinear movement, a slow, straight-line progression used by heavy-bodied species. These gaits allow snakes to traverse diverse environments, from sand and rock to dense vegetation.

In plumbing, snaking refers to using a flexible auger or drain snake to clear clogs. The tool is inserted into a drain and rotated to break up or hook debris, restoring flow. This usage is common in residential and professional settings and can range from simple hand-operated devices to powered variants.

Other contexts preserve the metaphor, describing roads, rivers, or lines that weave in a serpentine manner. The term conveys the idea of a non-straight, winding form or path, emphasizing sinuosity over directness.