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scorpion

1. (Science: zoology) Any one of numerous species of pulmonate arachnids of the order scorpiones, having a suctorial mouth, large claw-bearing palpi, and a caudal sting.

scorpions have a flattened body, and a long, slender post-abdomen formed of six movable segments, the last of which terminates in a curved venomous sting. The venom causes great pain, but is unattended either with redness or swelling, except in the axillary or inguinal glands, when an extremity is affected. It is seldom if ever destructive of life. Scorpions are found widely dispersed in the warm climates of both the old and new worlds.

2. (Science: zoology) The pine or gray lizard (Sceloporus undulatus).

3. (Science: zoology) The scorpene.

4. A painful scourge. My father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. (1 kings xii. 11)

5. (Science: astronomy) A sign and constellation. See scorpio.

6. An ancient military engine for hurling stones and other missiles. Book scorpion.

(Science: zoology) A neuropterous insect of the genus Panorpa. See panorpid.

(Science: botany) Scorpion grass, the star antares in the constellation scorpio.

Origin: F, fr. L. Scorpio, scorpius, Gr, perhaps akin to E. Sharp.