tortoiseshell

American  

[tawr-tuhs-shel] / ˈtɔr təsˌʃɛl /

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 tortoiseshell butterfly any of several nymphalid butterflies of the genus Nymphalis, as N. californica, having variegated markings of red, yellow, or orange on the wings.

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adjective

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

2. made of tortoiseshell.

tortoiseshell British  

/ 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. 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

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Etymology

Origin of tortoiseshell

First recorded in 1595–1605; tortoise + shell

Example Sentences

He was a scholarly analyst who wore tortoiseshell reading glasses and made friends throughout the energy industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

The peacock and short tortoiseshell are among the first to spread their wings, with more butterflies emerging from April onwards.

From BBC

Most orange cats are boys, a quirk of feline genetics that also explains why almost all calicos and tortoiseshells are girls.

From Science Magazine

Butterfly Conservation said it was the worst year recorded for the common blue, holly blue, green-veined white, small white, small tortoiseshell, painted lady and Scotch argus.

From BBC

He wore tortoiseshell glasses, a blue cardigan and hair cut for maximum pensive tucking behind ears.

From New York Times