Main Entry: ¹tor·toise·shell

Pronunciation: \ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel, -əsh-ˌshel\

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)