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scorpion

[ skawr-pee-uhn ]
/ ˈskɔr pi ən /
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noun
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.
the Scorpion, Astronomy. Scorpius.
any of various harmless lizards, especially the red- or orange-headed males of certain North American skinks.
Bible. a whip or scourge that has spikes attached. 1 Kings 12:11.
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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”

OTHER WORDS FROM scorpion

scor·pi·on·ic [skawr-pee-on-ik], /ˌskɔr piˈɒn ɪk/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scorpion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scorpion (1 of 2)

scorpion
/ (ˈskɔːpɪən) /

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

Word Origin for scorpion

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

British Dictionary definitions for scorpion (2 of 2)

Scorpion
/ (ˈskɔːpɪən) /

noun
the Scorpion the constellation Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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