Tortoise

Pronunciation: /ˈtɔːrtəs/

Definitions of tortoise

noun a slow-moving reptile with a hard shell, typically living on land

Example Sentences

A1 The tortoise is a slow-moving animal.

A2 I saw a tortoise crossing the road.

B1 The tortoise retreated into its shell when it felt threatened.

B2 The tortoise's shell is a protective covering.

C1 The tortoise is known for its longevity and resilience.

C2 Conservation efforts are being made to protect the endangered tortoise species.

Examples of tortoise in a Sentence

formal The tortoise is a slow-moving reptile that is often found in warm climates.

informal I saw a tortoise crossing the road on my way to work today.

slang That old tortoise is always taking forever to make a decision.

figurative He moves at a tortoise's pace when it comes to finishing his work assignments.

Grammatical Forms of tortoise

• past tense: tortoised
• plural: tortoises
• comparative: more tortoise
• superlative: most tortoise
• present tense: tortoises
• future tense: will tortoise
• perfect tense: have tortoised
• continuous tense: is tortoising
• singular: tortoise
• positive degree: tortoise
• infinitive: to tortoise
• gerund: tortoising
• participle: tortoised

Origin and Evolution of tortoise

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'tortoise' comes from the Middle English word 'tortu', which was borrowed from the Old French word 'tortue', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'tortuca'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'tortoise' has retained its original meaning of a land-dwelling reptile with a high-domed shell, but it has also come to be used interchangeably with 'turtle' in American English.