1. The mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles
   "The vintage hair comb was made of genuine tortoiseshell"
    
2. A cat having black and cream-coloured and yellowish markings
   "The tortoiseshell-cat's unique coat pattern made it stand out among the other strays";
   - tortoiseshell-cat, calico cat
    
3. Brilliantly coloured; larvae feed on nettles
   "The tortoiseshell butterfly's intricate wing patterns make it a favourite among butterfly enthusiasts";
   - tortoiseshell butterfly

Derived forms: tortoiseshells

Type of: brush-footed butterfly, cat, domestic cat, Felis catus, Felis domesticus, four-footed butterfly, horn, house cat, kitty [informal], kitty-cat [informal], mog [Brit, informal], moggie [Brit, informal], moggy [Brit, informal], nymphalid, nymphalid butterfly, puss [informal], pussy [informal], pussycat [informal]

Part of: genus Nymphalis, Nymphalis

Encyclopedia: Tortoiseshell