scorpion

[ skawr-pee-uh n ]
/ ˈskɔr pi ən /

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. I Kings 12:11.

Origin of scorpion

1175–1225; Middle English < Latin scorpiōn- (stem of scorpiō), equivalent to scorp(ius) scorpion (< 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

Example sentences from the Web for scorpion

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 tail See 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