Meaning & Definition of word "Tortoise"
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Tortoise
/ˈtɔːtəʊs/
noun:
- 1. A slow-moving land reptile of the family Testudinidae, characterized by a bony shell, which protects its body.
- Example: The tortoise slowly made its way across the sunlit pathway.
- 2. A person who is slow or deliberate in action or movement.
- Example: Despite his friends being quick to make decisions, he was always the tortoise, taking his time to think things through.
- 3. A term used to describe a type of defensive strategy in games or competitions, particularly in chess.
- Example: She adopted a tortoise approach in the chess game, prioritizing defense over aggression.
Etymology
Middle English tortoise, from Old French tortue, from Latin testudo.
Common Phrases and Expressions
slow as a tortoise:
Refers to someone who moves very slowly.
tortoise and hare:
A reference to a fable about slow but steady winning against haste.
Related Words
turtle:
A water-dwelling reptile with a similar shell structure.
reptile:
A class of animals that includes tortoises, snakes, and lizards.
Slang Meanings of tortoise
Meaning: A person who is very slow in their actions.
Example Sentence: He's such a tortoise when it comes to finishing projects.
Meaning: Used to describe a vehicle or machine that is very slow.
Example Sentence: That old car is a real tortoise on the highway!