Illustration of scorpion
- scorpion 1a
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
Arnold Bennett 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Dares were disgusting – think taking a shot of hot sauce or eating a scorpion – and worth only one point. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 Guests will find traditional scorpion bowls, hurricanes and other Polynesian libations, as well as a food menu from Rubber Bowl Food Club. Allison Jack, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2022 However, bark scorpion venom can be dangerous to young children or people with health problems. Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 22 July 2022 How about a slush that's sprinkled with edible bugs and a scorpion? Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2022 An early scorpion, known as the Pulmonoscorpius kirktonensis, could have been as large as 27 inches. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 6 July 2022 The novel’s dark, exciting ending finds Lorena searching for the missing scorpion researcher with the help of a police officer tormented by his role in railroading her brother. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 13 May 2022 But this year, Hard Labor Creek will be offering a family-friendly night hike and scorpion hunt. Hunter Boyce, ajc, 11 May 2022 The venom of the Israeli deathstalker scorpion is the source of a compound in clinical trials that finds and illuminates breast and colon tumors. New York Times, 3 May 2022 See More
Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 Guests will find traditional scorpion bowls, hurricanes and other Polynesian libations, as well as a food menu from Rubber Bowl Food Club. Allison Jack, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2022 However, bark scorpion venom can be dangerous to young children or people with health problems. Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 22 July 2022 How about a slush that's sprinkled with edible bugs and a scorpion? Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2022 An early scorpion, known as the Pulmonoscorpius kirktonensis, could have been as large as 27 inches. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 6 July 2022 The novel’s dark, exciting ending finds Lorena searching for the missing scorpion researcher with the help of a police officer tormented by his role in railroading her brother. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 13 May 2022 But this year, Hard Labor Creek will be offering a family-friendly night hike and scorpion hunt. Hunter Boyce, ajc, 11 May 2022 The venom of the Israeli deathstalker scorpion is the source of a compound in clinical trials that finds and illuminates breast and colon tumors. New York Times, 3 May 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
scorpion
noun
scor·pi·on ˈskȯr-pē-ən
: an animal related to the spiders that has a long jointed body ending in 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