tortoiseshell

[ tawr-tuhs-shel ]

noun

1. a horny substance of a mottled brown and yellow coloration, composing the laminae that cover the inner body plates of the carapace of certain tortoises or turtles, especially the hawksbill, used for making combs and ornamental articles, inlaying, etc.
2. any synthetic substance made to look like natural tortoiseshell.
3. Also tortoiseshell butterfly. any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, as N. californica, having variegated markings of red, yellow, or orange on the wings.

adjective

1. mottled or variegated like tortoiseshell, especially with yellow and brown and sometimes other colors.
2. made of tortoiseshell.

tortoiseshell

/ ˈtɔːtəsˌʃɛl /

noun

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. See hawksbill turtle
   tortoiseshell turtle
   tortoiseshell turtle another name for hawksbill turtle
6. 1. a yellowish-brown mottled colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a tortoiseshell décor

7. modifier made of tortoiseshell

   a tortoiseshell comb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tortoiseshell¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; tortoise + shell

Example Sentences

Celluloid was a suitable substitute for ivory and tortoiseshell, but sleek, shiny Bakelite gleamed with modernity.

From Science News

The Chinese possess marvellous skill in carving ivory, tortoiseshell, and wood.

From Project Gutenberg

Pussy is about five years old, and is a handsome, light tortoiseshell, with a pretty face and coaxing ways.

From Project Gutenberg

Any one wishing to breed rich brown tabbies, should use a tortoiseshell she-cat with a very brown and black-banded he-cat.

From Project Gutenberg

If a tiger or a buffalo escapes from his pen, if tortoiseshell or jade is broken in its case, who is to blame?

From Project Gutenberg

He had long hair, done up on his head like a woman's and held in place by a tortoiseshell comb.

From Project Gutenberg