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 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. See book scorpion
   false scorpion
   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

As invertebrates in the arachnid family, scorpions are closely related to spiders and ticks and are most active in warm summer months, hunting at night and keeping to the cool shade during the day.

From Popular-Science

Of course, hidden scorpions can still sting if you accidentally enter their refuge, so watch where you put your uncovered hands and feet when in their typically dry, rocky natural habitats, and be cautious when reaching into crevices or under rocks.

From Popular-Science

She studied scorpions, giraffes, hamsters, cats — 22 species in all.

From Quanta Magazine

Flies, like Tobler’s cockroaches and scorpions, could not be easily hooked up to an EEG machine.

From Quanta Magazine

In the interest of scientific equity, Ambuehl ate one of these scorpions himself.

From Freakonomics

This Israel-Hamas war feels different, neither turtle nor scorpion even pretending anymore about seeking peace.

From The Daily Beast

The group trekked for about 10 days trying out numerous plants before they found the right one: Scorpion Tail.

From The Daily Beast

The process to fully distill the Scorpion Tail took three hours.

From The Daily Beast

The scorpion, a Heterometrus spinifer, is completely edible, despite the arachnid being deadly if alive.

From The Daily Beast

Dominic Ware has a scorpion encased in resin on a string around his neck.

From The Daily Beast

Two Turkish Regiments were discovered in mass creeping along the top of the cliffs by the searchlights of the Scorpion.

From Project Gutenberg

This, with contemptuous indignation, we fling back into their face, as a scorpion to a vulture.

From Project Gutenberg

I should have been in her fond embrace—now I shared the company of the rat, the lizard, and the scorpion.

From Project Gutenberg

Ida left her thus—writhing under the scorpion-lash of remorse, and rejecting consolation.

From Project Gutenberg

Another swallowed a living scorpion, a small snake, broken glass and nails.

From Project Gutenberg