ˌtest(y)üˈdinəˌdē noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Testudin-, Testudo, type genus + -idae
: a family of turtles comprising carnivorous freshwater and herbivorous terrestrial forms that usually have a strong thick convex carapace, broad plastron, and club-shaped feet in which the toes are firmly bound together so that the claws alone are evident — compare european tortoise , painted turtle