scorpion

American  

[skawr-pee-uhn] / ˈskɔr pi ən /

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. Astronomy.  the Scorpion, 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.

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scorpion ¹ British  

/ 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. 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

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Scorpion ² British  

/ ˈskɔːpɪən /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• scorpionic adjective

Etymology

Origin of scorpion

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”

Example Sentences

The venom of an Amazonian scorpion species may contain a compound capable of helping treat breast cancer, a disease that remains one of the top causes of death among women.

From Science Daily

At one degree, you were just shy of being born in Scorpio season, an energy echoed in the placement of your Venus in the eighth house of the underworld, traditionally associated with the scorpion.

From Los Angeles Times

Adventuring parties pour in, lured by gold and glory, but quickly learn that success hinges less on brute strength than on how well you can cook a scorpion.

From Salon

In “Star Wars,” it’s kind of a flying scorpion.

From Los Angeles Times

“There were so many dangers, like snakes and scorpions.”

From Salon