tortoise-shell
|tor-toise-shell|
🇺🇸
/ˈtɔɹ.təs.ʃɛl/
🇬🇧
/ˈtɔː.təs.ʃɛl/
mottled, shell-like brown pattern/material
Etymology
'tortoise-shell' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'tortoise' + 'shell'.
'tortoise' was used in Middle English (forms like 'tortuse') and 'shell' comes from Old English 'scell'; the compound formed in English to name the shell and the distinctive mottled material and pattern, later extending to describe patterned objects and certain butterflies.
Initially it referred specifically to the shell of a tortoise; over time it came to mean the decorative material made from that shell (and now more commonly a similar mottled pattern), and was also applied to animals (e.g., butterflies, cats) with similar markings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the actual shell of a tortoise (or turtle), especially when used historically as a decorative material.
The antique comb was carved from tortoise-shell.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a mottled brown and black pattern or material resembling a tortoise's shell, often used to describe eyeglass frames, hair combs, or other small items.
She chose a pair of tortoise-shell glasses for a vintage look.
Synonyms
Noun 3
any of several species of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae commonly called 'tortoiseshells' because of their patterned wings.
In late summer you can often see small tortoise-shell butterflies in the garden.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/19 02:55