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tortoiseshell
tortoiseshell horny, translucent, mottled plates covering the carapace of the tropical hawksbill turtle. The plates, too thin for most purposes in their original form, are usually built up in layers that are molded or compressed after the surfaces have been liquefied by heat; thus, a firm union is effected after resolidification. Inlays can be imbedded in the shell with a hot iron. Tortoiseshell has been used in veneering since ancient times; its chief use today is in the manufacture of toilet articles and decorative objects. It is imitated in products of celluloid and horn, but the laminated structure of most genuine work aids in identifying the real shell. |
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Cite this article
"tortoiseshell." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tortoiseshell." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tortshel.html "tortoiseshell." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tortshel.html |
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tortoiseshell
tor·toise·shell / ˈtôrtə(s)ˌshel/ • n. 1. the semitransparent mottled yellow and brown shell of certain turtles, typically used to make jewelry or ornaments. ∎ a synthetic substance made in imitation of this. 2. short for tortoiseshell cat. 3. short for tortoiseshell butterfly. |
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Cite this article
"tortoiseshell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tortoiseshell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-tortoiseshell.html "tortoiseshell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-tortoiseshell.html |
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tortoiseshell
tortoiseshell
•clamshell • eggshell • seashell
•cockleshell • bombshell
•tortoiseshell • razorshell • Oftel
•caravel • Maxwell • Cherwell
•stairwell • Bakewell • speedwell
•inkwell • Sitwell • wishing well
•bridewell • Sizewell • Rockwell
•Cromwell • Bothwell
•Boswell, Roswell
•Orwell • Caldwell • groundswell
•ne'er-do-well
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Cite this article
"tortoiseshell." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tortoiseshell." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-tortoiseshell.html "tortoiseshell." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-tortoiseshell.html |
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