tortoiseshell

views updated May 21 2018

tor·toise·shell / ˈtôrtə(s)ˌshel/ • n. 1. the semitransparent mottled yellow and brown shell of certain turtles, typically used to make jewelry or ornaments. ∎  a synthetic substance made in imitation of this.2. short for tortoiseshell cat.3. short for tortoiseshell butterfly.