scorpion
Meanings
noun
- Any of the order Scorpiones of arachnids related to spiders, characterised by two large front pincers and a curved tail with a venomous sting at the end.
- An ancient military engine for hurling stones and other missiles.
- A very spiteful or vindictive person.
- A cheerleading move in which one foot is pulled back and held up with both hands while the performer stands on the other foot.
- A whip with points like a scorpion's tail.
name
- The constellation and zodiacal sign Scorpius.
noun
- Someone with the Scorpio star sign.
adj
- Of or relating to the Scorpio star sign.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From Middle English scorpioun, skorpioun, schorpion, schorpiun, partly from Old English sċorpio and partly from Anglo-Norman scorpïun, Old French scorpïon, escorpïon; all from Latin scorpiō, ultimately from Ancient Greek σκορπίος (skorpíos). The cheerleading move is so called because of the resemblance of the raised foot to a scorpion's stinger.
Related words
Derived words
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