turtle

2 syllables

Quick answer

As a noun, turtle means any land or marine reptile of the order Testudines, characterised by a protective shell enclosing its body. See also tortoise. As a verb, it means flip over onto the back or top.

Meanings of turtle

18 meanings

noun

zoologyUSCanadaAny land or marine reptile of the order Testudines, characterised by a protective shell enclosing its body. See also tortoise.
zoologyAustraliaUKspecificallyA marine reptile of that order.
computingA type of robot having a domed case (and so resembling the reptile), used in education, especially for making line drawings by means of a computer program.
computingAn on-screen cursor that serves the same function as a turtle for drawing.
comptheoryA small element towards the end of a list of items to be bubble sorted, and thus tending to take a long time to be swapped into its correct position. Compare rabbit.
danceA breakdancing move consisting of a float during which the dancer's weight shifts from one hand to the other, producing rotation or a circular "walk".
televisionA low stand for a lamp etc.
A sweater or jersey with a high close-fitting collar
Similar: turtleneck, polo-neck
Any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimminganimal

Older and rare meanings (3)

militaryhistoricalAn Ancient Roman attack method, where the shields held by the soldiers hide them, not only left, right, front and back, but also from above.
printinghistoricalThe curved plate in which the form is held in a type-revolving cylinder press.
now rarearchaicA turtle dove.

verb

To flip over onto the back or top; to turn upside down.
To move along slowly.
To turn and swim upside down.
To hunt turtles, especially in the water.
video gamesboard gamesTo build up a large defense force and strike only occasionally, rather than going for an offensive strategy.
Overturn accidentally
“Don't rock the boat or it will capsize!”
Similar: capsize, turn turtle