Tortoiseshell Definition
tôrtəszhel
noun
The hard, mottled, yellow-and-brown shell of some turtles and tortoises, used in inlaying and, esp. formerly, in making combs, frames for eyeglasses, etc.
Webster's New World
A synthetic substance made in imitation of this.
Webster's New World
A mottled, yellow-and-brown color pattern.
Webster's New World
Any of several common, black and yellow-brown butterflies (genus Nymphalis) with markings resembling those of tortoise shell.
Webster's New World
A cat with a mottled coat of black, brown, red or yellow, white, etc.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- tortoiseshell butterfly
- calico-cat
- tortoiseshell-cat
Other Word Forms of Tortoiseshell
Noun
Singular:
tortoiseshell
Plural:
tortoiseshellsTortoiseshell Is Also Mentioned In
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