tortoiseshell

/ˈtɔrtəsˌʃɛl/
noun
  1. The hard, mottled brown and yellow shell of certain sea turtles, used historically to make combs, jewelry, and decorative items.
    • Trade in natural tortoiseshell is now banned in many countries.
    • Antique combs were often made from real tortoiseshell.
    • The bracelet was crafted from imitation tortoiseshell.
  2. A cat with a coat of mixed black, orange, and cream patches, usually female.
    • Our tortoiseshell cat has a beautiful mix of orange and black fur.
    • She adopted a stray tortoiseshell from the shelter.
    • Tortoiseshell cats are known for their distinctive coloring.
adjective
  1. Made of or resembling the mottled brown and yellow shell of a sea turtle.
    • The box had a tortoiseshell finish that looked elegant.
    • He bought a tortoiseshell hair clip at the market.
    • She wore tortoiseshell glasses with a classic frame.
  2. Having a coat of mixed black, orange, and cream patches (used for cats).
    • Tortoiseshell patterns are rare in male cats.
    • The tortoiseshell kitten had bright green eyes.
    • Our neighbor has a tortoiseshell cat named Mocha.
What does "tortoiseshell" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean