scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

1

a

: any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip

b

capitalized : scorpio

2

: a scourge probably studded with metal

3

: something that incites to action like the sting of an insect

the scorpions of absolute necessity

—Arnold Bennett

Illustration of scorpion

• scorpion 1a

Examples of scorpion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Made from garlic, poppy seeds, onion flakes, black sesame and sesame seeds, and scorpion pepper powder, this untraditional combination of hot sauce ingredients somehow just works. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2024

In books that teem with danger—snakes, scorpions, shipwrecks, plane crashes, house fires—the chief hazard to children is adults who want to control them. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

The oldest evidence of scorpions on Earth comes from the Silurian period, around 430 million years ago. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

That also helps you to avoid other venomous animals that live in the park, including scorpions and black widow spiders. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French eskorpiun, from Latin scorpion-, scorpio, from Greek skorpios

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scorpion

• scorpion fish
• scorpion fly
• sea scorpion
• water scorpion
• whip scorpion

Kids Definition

scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

: any of an order of invertebrates that are arachnids and that have a long jointed body and a slender tail with a poisonous stinger at the end

Medical Definition

scorpion

noun

scor·​pi·​on ˈskȯr-pē-ən 

: any of an order (Scorpionida) of arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip