TORTOISESHELL


Meaning of TORTOISESHELL in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' to ̇ r-t ə - ˌ shel, - ə sh- ˌ shel

Function: noun

Date: 1632

1 : the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2 : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais )

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.