Synonyms
Etymology
1. tortoiseshell
noun. brilliantly colored; larvae feed on nettles.
Synonyms
- nymphalid butterfly
- Nymphalis
- brush-footed butterfly
- four-footed butterfly
- tortoiseshell butterfly
- genus Nymphalis
Etymology
- shell (English)
- schelle (Middle English (1100-1500))
- tortoise (English)
- tortuse (Middle English (1100-1500))
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2. tortoiseshell-cat
noun. a cat having black and cream-colored and yellowish markings.
Synonyms
- tortoiseshell
- domestic cat
- Felis catus
- house cat
- calico cat
3. tortoiseshell
noun. a cat having black and cream-colored and yellowish markings.
Synonyms
- domestic cat
- Felis catus
- house cat
- tortoiseshell-cat
- calico cat
Etymology
- shell (English)
- schelle (Middle English (1100-1500))
- tortoise (English)
- tortuse (Middle English (1100-1500))
4. tortoiseshell
noun. the mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles.
Etymology
- shell (English)
- schelle (Middle English (1100-1500))
- tortoise (English)
- tortuse (Middle English (1100-1500))
Example sentences of the word tortoiseshell
1. Noun, singular or mass
The Cat Fanciers Association explains that a cat with a dominant fur color, either black, red, or tortoiseshell, must have a parent which also has a dominant color.
2. Adjective
There are also tabby and tortoiseshell variants in the coat.
3. Verb, base form
Black or tortoiseshell frames are especially flattering in rectangular glasses.