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scorpion

Pronunciation: /ˈskɔːpɪən/

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Definition of scorpion

noun

  • a terrestrial arachnid which has lobster-like pincers and a poisonous sting at the end of its jointed tail, which it can hold curved over its back. Most kinds live in tropical and subtropical areas.
    • Order Scorpiones
  • used in names of arachnids and insects resembling a scorpion, e.g. false scorpion, water scorpion.
  • (the Scorpion) the zodiacal sign Scorpio or the constellation Scorpius.
  • (scorpions) literary a whip with metal points.
    [with allusion to 1 Kings 12:11]

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin scorpio(n-), based on Greek skorpios 'scorpion'

scorpion in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of scorpion in the US English dictionary

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