Testudines

Tes tu di nes |teˈst (y )o͞odnˌēz tɛˈstjudniz |Zoology an order of reptiles that comprises the turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a shell of bony plates covered with horny scales, and many kinds are aquatic. Also called (esp. formerly ) Chelonia. ORIGIN modern Latin (plural ), based on Latin testa ‘shell. ’

Testudines

Testudines |tɛˈstjuːdɪniːz | ▶plural noun Zoology an order of reptiles which comprises the turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a shell of bony plates covered with horny scales, and many kinds are aquatic. Also called Chelonia. ORIGIN modern Latin (plural ), based on Latin testa ‘shell ’.