Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun The shell of a
tortoise , sometimes inaccurately the shell of aturtle , or that material.
Etymologies
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Examples
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littleclaw commented on the word tortoise shell
a little soft and creamy coloured kitten with slate grey eyes.
July 8, 2008
Prolagus commented on the word tortoise shell
What I like about tortoise shell cats is that you can ask their owners "what's her name?" and cut a good figure 99.97% of the times.
A friend of mine had a male tortoise shell cat, though.
July 8, 2008
plethora commented on the word tortoise shell
I had a tortoise shell cat until I was 15. She was older than I am now.
July 8, 2008
sionnach commented on the word tortoise shell
Dear Pro:
"and cut a good figure 99.97% of the times."
Forgive my presumption for commenting on your (normally impeccable) usage, but there are two issues with this phrase -
(i) standard usage would be 'X% of the time' (not times)
(ii) 'cut a good figure' is probably not the expression you are looking for here, as it typically refers to someone's appearance or demeanor:
e.g. "Algernon cut a fine figure in his purple corduroy knickers"
my guess is that you wanted to say "and be correct 99.97% of the time".
Again, forgive my presumption if I am wrong about what you meant to say.
July 8, 2008
bilby commented on the word tortoise shell
The Italian fare una bella figura has a wider sense, including for example to give a positive impression.
July 8, 2008
Prolagus commented on the word tortoise shell
oops! I thought "a good figure" was the opposite of "a poor figure", sorry!
There is no excuse for the other one.
Except that it was 2 am.
Thank you sionnach - and bilby!
July 8, 2008