tortoiseshell

views updated May 21 2018

tor·toise·shell / ˈtôrtə(s)ˌshel/ • n. 1. the semitransparent mottled yellow and brown shell of certain turtles, typically used to make jewelry or ornaments. ∎  a synthetic substance made in imitation of this.2. short for tortoiseshell cat.3. short for tortoiseshell butterfly.

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