scorpion

[ skawr-pee-uhn ]

noun

1. any of numerous arachnids of the order Scorpionida, widely distributed in warmer parts of the world, having a long, narrow, segmented tail that terminates in a venomous sting.
2. the Scorpion, Astronomy. Scorpius.
3. any of various harmless lizards, especially the red- or orange-headed males of certain North American skinks.
4. Bible. a whip or scourge that has spikes attached. 1 Kings 12:11.

Scorpion

¹

/ ˈskɔːpɪən /

noun

1. the Scorpion
   the constellation Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac

scorpion

²

/ ˈskɔːpɪən /

noun

1. any arachnid of the order Scorpionida, of warm dry regions, having a segmented body with a long tail terminating in a venomous sting
2. false scorpion
   any small nonvenomous arachnid of the order Pseudoscorpionida (or Chelonethida ), which superficially resemble scorpions but lack the long tail See book scorpion
3. any of various other similar arachnids, such as the whip scorpion, or other arthropods, such as the water scorpion
4. Old Testament a barbed scourge (I Kings 12:11)
5. history a war engine for hurling stones; ballista

Other Words From

• scor·pi·on·ic [skawr-pee-, on, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scorpion¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin scorpiōn- (stem of scorpiō ), equivalent to scorp(ius) “scorpion” (from Greek skorpíos ) + -iōn- noun suffix, perhaps after pāpiliō (stem pāpiliōn- ) “butterfly,” or stelliō (stem stelliōn- ) “gecko”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scorpion¹

C13: via Old French from Latin scorpiō, from Greek skorpios, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

A scorpion may have one tail, but it has two claws.

From Los Angeles Times

For a scorpion may have one tail, but it has two claws.

From Los Angeles Times

He also had to carry his deflated kayak through the jungle, watching out for tarantulas, snakes and scorpions, which was "very draining", Ash said.

From BBC

"We've had 200 stowaways this year. Twelve have been scorpions and three of those have been within the last month - the same species of scorpion from China," he said.

From BBC

"I feel like I am all right with spiders and things but it was scary being in my room with a random scorpion."

From BBC