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).
Phrases and idioms:
scorpion 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.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L scorpio -onis f. scorpius f. Gk skorpios