whip scorpion

9.6

A small animal like a spider with a long thin tail and no sting

noun
/wɪp ˈskɔrpiən/

: escorpión látigo

Researchers observed the whip scorpion using its tail to sense its environment.

Examples

The whip scorpion is often found in tropical forests, hiding under logs and rocks.
The whip scorpion is often mistaken for a true scorpion.
Despite its fierce appearance, the whip scorpion poses no threat to humans.
Did you know that a whip scorpion has no venom?
Despite its fierce appearance, the whip scorpion poses no threat to humans.
The whip scorpion is often found in tropical forests, hiding under logs and rocks.
Researchers observed the whip scorpion using its long tail to sense its environment.

Synonyms

whip-scorpion

vswhip scorpion

9.9

An animal like a scorpion with a long thin tail and no sting

is the same meaning but written without a hyphen

Pedipalpi

vswhip scorpion

Specialized

9.9

A group of animals like whip scorpions that have long front legs and a tail like a whip

is the common animal term rather than the broader scientific order

Uropygi

vswhip scorpion

Specialized

9.9

A group of animals like spiders that have a long whip-like tail and live in warm regions

is the everyday animal name not the scientific order

Surface Forms

whip scorpion singular

whip scorpions plural

Morphology

whip + scorpion

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound where 'whip' describes the scorpion's whip-like tail, so a learner who knows 'whip' and 'scorpion' can infer it denotes a scorpion-like arachnid with a long, whip-shaped tail. Detailed biological facts (e.g. nonvenomous, lack of stinger) are not derivable from the words alone, but the basic referent and shape are immediately predictable, making the MWE transparent.

Etymology

Whip scorpion comes from the animal's long, thin tail that looks like a whip on a body like a scorpion. It has no 'sting' and is not 'venomous', so the name helps you remember it looks fierce but is usually harmless.