tortoiseshell
Use Tortoiseshell in a sentence
təsˌʃɛl noun Also, tortoise shell.
1.
a horny substance of a mottled brown and yellow coloration, composing the laminae that cover the inner body plates of the carapace of a hawksbill turtle, used for making combs and ornamental articles, inlaying, etc.
3.
Also, tortoiseshell butterfly. any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, as N. californica, having variegated markings of red, yellow, or orange on the wings.
adjective Also, tor·toise-shell.
4.
mottled or variegated like tortoiseshell, especially with yellow and brown and sometimes other colors.
5.
made of tortoiseshell.
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Tortoiseshell
is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
| an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle. |
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To tortoiseshell
Collins
World English Dictionary
tortoiseshell (ˈtɔːtəsˌʃɛl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a horny translucent yellow-and-brown mottled substance obtained from the outer layer of the shell of the hawksbill turtle: used for making ornaments, jewellery, etc |
| 2. | a similar synthetic substance, esp plastic or celluloid, now more widely used than the natural product |
| 3. | a breed of domestic cat, usually female, having black, cream, and brownish markings |
| 4. | any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, and related genera, having orange-brown wings with black markings |
| 5. | tortoiseshell turtle another name for hawksbill turtle |
| 6. | a. a yellowish-brown mottled colour |
| b. (as adjective): a tortoiseshell décor | |
| 7. | (modifier) made of tortoiseshell: a tortoiseshell comb |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Tortoiseshell coats are two colors blended in no distinct pattern.
The epidermal scutes that overlay the bones of the shell are the tortoiseshell of commerce.
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