/tawr"teuhs shel'/ , n. Also, tortoise shell .
1. a horny substance of a mottled brown and yellow coloration, composing the laminae that cover the inner body plates of the carapace of a hawksbill turtle, used for making combs and ornamental articles, inlaying, etc.
2. any synthetic substance made to look like natural tortoise shell.
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. - adj. Also, tortoise-shell .
4. mottled or variegated like tortoiseshell, esp. with yellow and brown and sometimes other colors.
5. made of tortoiseshell.
[ 1595-1605; TORTOISE + SHELL ]