1. members of an ancient Gnostic Christian sect that venerated the serpent as a symbol of wisdom
Usage: historical; religious studies
2. a type of igneous rock containing serpentine minerals, often green with white markings
Usage: geology

Examples

• The Ophites believed the serpent in Eden brought knowledge to humanity.
• Ancient texts describe the religious practices of the Ophites.
• The geologist identified the green stone as ophites.
• Ophites can be found in metamorphic rock formations.
• The Ophites were considered heretical by mainstream Christianity.
• This ophites specimen shows the characteristic serpentine patterns.