scorpion

[ skawr-pee-uhn ]

/ ˈskɔr pi ən /

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See synonyms for scorpion on Thesaurus.com

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

Words nearby scorpion

scorpaenid, scorpaenoid, scorper, Scorpio, scorpioid, scorpion, scorpionfish, scorpionfly, scorpion grass, scorpion spider, Scorpius

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scorpion in a sentence

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.
Everything you need to know about scorpion stings and venom|John Kennedy|July 22, 2021|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.
Everything you need to know about scorpion stings and venom|John Kennedy|July 22, 2021|Popular-Science
She studied scorpions, giraffes, hamsters, cats — 22 species in all.
Sleep Evolved Before Brains. Hydras Are Living Proof.|Veronique Greenwood|May 18, 2021|Quanta Magazine
Flies, like Tobler’s cockroaches and scorpions, could not be easily hooked up to an EEG machine.
Sleep Evolved Before Brains. Hydras Are Living Proof.|Veronique Greenwood|May 18, 2021|Quanta Magazine

In the interest of scientific equity, Ambuehl ate one of these scorpions himself.
The Downside of Disgust (Ep. 448)|Stephen J. Dubner|January 21, 2021|Freakonomics
This Israel-Hamas war feels different, neither turtle nor scorpion even pretending anymore about seeking peace.
Is It Just Me or Is the World Exploding? So Why Isn’t Obama Doing More?|Michael Tomasky|July 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The group trekked for about 10 days trying out numerous plants before they found the right one: Scorpion Tail.
When a Modern-Day Indiana Jones Met an Adventurous Gin Distiller|Ann Binlot|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The process to fully distill the Scorpion Tail took three hours.
When a Modern-Day Indiana Jones Met an Adventurous Gin Distiller|Ann Binlot|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The scorpion, a Heterometrus spinifer, is completely edible, despite the arachnid being deadly if alive.
Camel in a Can and 6 More Weird Canned Meats||January 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Dominic Ware has a scorpion encased in resin on a string around his neck.
Pushing for Justice at Walmart|Sally Kohn|December 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Two Turkish Regiments were discovered in mass creeping along the top of the cliffs by the searchlights of the Scorpion.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
This, with contemptuous indignation, we fling back into their face, as a scorpion to a vulture.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany
I should have been in her fond embrace—now I shared the company of the rat, the lizard, and the scorpion.
Confessions of a Thug|Philip Meadows Taylor
Ida left her thus—writhing under the scorpion-lash of remorse, and rejecting consolation.
Alone|Marion Harland
Another swallowed a living scorpion, a small snake, broken glass and nails.
Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Volume 11, No. 24, March, 1873|Various

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

scorpion

Origin of scorpion

OTHER WORDS FROM scorpion

Words nearby scorpion

Words related to scorpion

How to use scorpion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scorpion (1 of 2)

Word Origin for scorpion

British Dictionary definitions for scorpion (2 of 2)