Tortoise: meaning, definitions and examples

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tortoise

 

[ หˆtษ”หrtษ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

slow-moving animal

A tortoise is a slow-moving animal that is known for its hard shell and long lifespan. Tortoises are often found in dry habitats and are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses and plants.

Synonyms

chelonian, reptile, turtle

Examples of usage

  • The tortoise slowly made its way across the desert.
  • The tortoise retreated into its shell when it sensed danger.
Context #2 | Noun

person who moves slowly

In informal use, a tortoise can also refer to a person who moves very slowly or cautiously. It is often used humorously to describe someone who is taking a long time to do something.

Synonyms

slowpoke, slug, snail

Examples of usage

  • Come on, don't be such a tortoise! We're going to be late.
  • He's a real tortoise when it comes to making decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "tortoise" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tartaruga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เค›เฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schildkrรถte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kura-kura

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‡ะตั€ะตะฟะฐั…ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ลผรณล‚w

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒก

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tortue

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tortuga

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kaplumbaฤŸa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ๋ถ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู„ุญูุงุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลพelva

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ korytnaฤka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไนŒ้พŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพelva

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skjaldbaka

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐัะฑะฐา›ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tฤฑsbaฤŸa

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tortuga

Etymology

The word 'tortoise' comes from the Middle English term 'tortu', which ultimately derives from the Latin word 'tortus' meaning twisted or bent. The term has been used to describe these slow-moving creatures for centuries, highlighting their characteristic hard shell and longevity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,220, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.