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Added 9 October 2026

scorpion

/ˈskɔː.pi.ən/ noun

In Latin: scorpiō, nepa Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about scorpion at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.

Origin

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. Displaced native Old English þrōwend (“scorpion”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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