tortoiseshell

/ˈtɔrdə(s)ˌʃɛl/
IPA guide

Other forms: tortoiseshells

Definitions of tortoiseshell
  1. noun
    the mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles
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    type of:
    horn
    the material (mostly keratin) that covers the horns of ungulates and forms hooves and claws and nails
  2. noun
    a cat having black and cream-colored and yellowish markings
    synonyms: calico cat, tortoiseshell-cat
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    type of:
    Felis catus, Felis domesticus, domestic cat, house cat
    any domesticated member of the genus Felis
  3. noun
    brilliantly colored; larvae feed on nettles
    synonyms: tortoiseshell butterfly
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    type of:
    brush-footed butterfly, four-footed butterfly, nymphalid, nymphalid butterfly
    medium to large butterflies found worldwide typically having brightly colored wings and much-reduced nonfunctional forelegs carried folded on the breast
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