Pronunciation: [bˈʊk skˈɔːpi͡ən] (IPA) 
The word "book scorpion" is spelled /bʊk skɔrpiən/. The first part of the word, "book," is spelled phonetically with a short "u" sound followed by the "k" and "b" consonants. The second part of the word, "scorpion," is spelled phonetically with the "sk" consonant cluster, the "or" diphthong, and the "p" and "n" consonants. The word refers to a small arachnid that is commonly found in old books and other paper products.
A book scorpion, scientifically known as Chelifer cancroides, is a small arachnid that belongs to the order Pseudoscorpiones. It is commonly known as a book scorpion due to its association with books, where it is often found in libraries, bookshelves, and dusty corners. Despite its name, the book scorpion is not a true scorpion but resembles one in some ways.
Book scorpions are typically small in size, with adults measuring approximately 4-5 millimeters in length. They have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their pale yellowish-brown or reddish-brown coloration. Their body is divided into two segments - a cephalothorax and an abdomen. Like scorpions, they possess pincers, called chelicerae, which they use to capture and manipulate their prey.
Book scorpions are harmless to humans and are actually considered beneficial. They feed primarily on small insects, mites, and booklice, which are common pests in libraries and homes. Due to their predatory nature, book scorpions aid in controlling populations of these unwanted creatures. They have been observed using their chelicerae to capture and feed on their prey.
The name "book scorpion" likely originated from the association between their presence and books. Although they are not exclusive to libraries, their preference for dark and dry environments often leads them to frequent these spaces. Nonetheless, their presence should not be cause for alarm, as they pose no threat to humans or the books themselves.
The word "book scorpion" is a compound term that combines two separate words: "book" and "scorpion".
The term "book" comes from the Old English word "bōc", which in turn has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "bokiz". It originally referred to a written document or a written work, and its meaning evolved over time to refer to a collection of written or printed pages bound together.
The word "scorpion" comes from the Old French word "scorpiun", which traces its roots back to the Latin word "scorpio". This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek word "skorpios", which ultimately comes from the reconstruction of the Proto-Indo-European word "*sker-", meaning "to cut".
Combining these two words, "book" and "scorpion", forms the term "book scorpion".
