tortoise
/'tɔ:təs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A usually herbivorous land turtle: A tortoise is a reptile characterized by a heavy, dome-shaped shell into which it can retract its head and limbs. It is typically a slow-moving, land-dwelling turtle, distinct from aquatic turtles.
- A specific type of chelonian: The term "tortoise" often refers specifically to members of the family Testudinidae, adapted to terrestrial habitats with elephantine, columnar legs.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The giant tortoise is native to the Galápagos Islands.
- We saw a tortoise slowly crossing the dirt path.
- The tortoise pulled its head into its shell when startled.
Advanced Usage
- "To set the tortoise to catch the hare": To attempt something with a painfully slow or unsuitable method. This is a proverbial allusion to Aesop's fable.
- Trying to fix this with that old software is like setting the tortoise to catch the hare.
- "Tortoise pace": An extremely slow speed or rate of progress.
- The construction project moved at a tortoise pace.
Variants and Related Words
- Testudinate (adj/n): Pertaining to or resembling a tortoise or turtle; a member of the order Testudines (turtles, tortoises, terrapins).
- Chelonian (adj/n): Belonging to the order Testudines; a turtle, tortoise, or terrapin. (This is the broader scientific category).
Synonyms
- Land turtle: The most direct synonym, emphasizing its terrestrial habitat.
- Testudinid: A more formal, zoological term for a member of the tortoise family.
Related Idioms
- The tortoise and the hare: A reference to Aesop's fable, used to illustrate that steady, persistent effort ("slow and steady wins the race") can be more successful than relying solely on speed or talent.
- Their business strategy is a classic case of the tortoise and the hare; they grew slowly but are now the market leader.
Noun
- usually herbivorous land turtles having clawed elephant-like limbs; worldwide in arid area except Australia and Antarctica