Defn: Any one of the numerous species of Testudinata, especially a sea turtle, or chelonian.
Note: In the United States the land and fresh-water tortoises are also called turtles.
2. (Printing)
Defn: The curved plate in which the form is held in a type-revolving cylinder press. Alligator turtle, Box turtle, etc. See under Alligator, Box, etc. — green turtle (Zoöl.), a marine turtle of the genus Chelonia, having usually a smooth greenish or olive-colored shell. It is highly valued for the delicacy of its flesh, which is used especially for turtle soup. Two distinct species or varieties are known; one of which (Chelonia Midas) inhabits the warm part of the Atlantic Ocean, and sometimes weighs eight hundred pounds or more; the other (C. virgata) inhabits the Pacific Ocean. Both species are similar in habits and feed principally on seaweed and other marine plants, especially the turtle grass. — Turtle cowrie (Zoöl.), a large, handsome cowrie (Cypræa testudinaria); the turtle-shell; so called because of its fancied resemblance to a tortoise in color and form. — Turtle grass (Bot.), a marine plant (Thalassia testudinum) with grasslike leaves, common about the West Indies. — Turtle shell, tortoise shell. See under Tortoise.
TURTLEBACK
Tur"tle*back`, n.
1. (Archæol.) A rude stone celt of a form suggesting the back of a turtle.
2. (Naut.) A convex deck at the bow or stern of a vessel, so made to shed the seas quickly.
TURTLEDOVE
Tur"tle*dove`, n. Etym: [See 1ts Turtle.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any one of numerous species of pigeons belonging to Turtur and allied genera, native of various parts of the Old World; especially, the common European species (Turtur vulgaris), which is noted for its plaintive note, affectionate disposition, and devotion to its mate.