ˈskɔ:pjən n. 1 an
arachnid of
the order Scorpionida,
with lobster-like
pincers and a jointed tail
that can be bent
over to
inflict a poisoned
sting on
prey held in
its pincers. 2 (in full
false scorpion) a
similar arachnid of the order Pseudoscorpionida, smaller and
without a tail. 3 (the Scorpion) the
zodiacal sign or
constellation Scorpio. 4 Bibl. a
whip with
metal points (1 Kings 12:11). øscorpion fish
any of
various marine fish of the
family Scorpaenidae, with
venomous spines on the
head and gills. scorpion fly any
insect of the order Mecoptera,
esp. of the family Panorpidae, the males of
which have a
swollen abdomen curved upwards like a scorpion's sting. scorpion
grass = forget-me-not. [ME f. OF f. L scorpio -onis f. scorpius f. Gk skorpios]