turtle

pronunciation

How to pronounce turtle in British English: UK [ˈtɜːtl] word uk audio image

How to pronounce turtle in American English: US [ˈtɜːrtl] word us audio image

Noun:

any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimming
Verb:

overturn accidentally
hunt for turtles, especially as an occupation

Word Origin

turtle: turtle: Turtle the dove [OE] and turtle the marine reptile [17] are different words. The former was borrowed from Latin turtur, which no doubt originated in imitation of the bird’s cooing. It is now encountered only in the compound turtledove, first recorded in the 13th century. Turtle the reptile is more of a mystery. It is generally assumed to be an alteration of French tortue ‘tortoise’ (source of English tortoise [15]), but since it is not known where that came from, it does not get us much further.The expression turn turtle (which dates from the 19th century) alludes to the practice of sailors turning turtles over on to their backs, like beetles, so that they were helpless and could be easily captured.=> tortoise

turtle (n.1): "tortoise," c. 1600, originally "marine tortoise," from French tortue, tortre (13c.) "turtle, tortoise" (often associated with diabolical beasts), of unknown origin. The English word perhaps is a sailors' mauling of the French one, influenced by the similar sounding turtle (n.2). Later extended to land tortoises; sea-turtle is attested from 1610s.

turtle (n.2): "turtledove," Old English turtle, dissimilation of Latin turtur "turtledove," a reduplicated form imitative of the bird's coo. Graceful, harmonious and affectionate to its mate, hence a term of endearment in Middle English. Turtle-dove is attested from c. 1300.

3. In playa grande , the turtle issue has pitted environmentalists against developers and the national government .

4. The turtle has learned how to flap her one good flipper in unique ways to change direction .

5. In the end , the turtle at the bottom of the pile is the american taxpayer .