Definition of: tortoise

(tôr′təs) noun
1. A turtle; chelonian; specifically, one of a terrestrial or fresh–water species, or a terrestrial as distinguished from an aquatic species.
2. A testudo.
—giant tortoise Any of several species of very large herbivorous land tortoises (family Testudinidae), especially those found on the Galápagos Islands, which may reach a length of four feet and weigh 600 pounds. [Earlier tortuce <Med. L tortuca, ult. <L tortus twisted; so called from its crooked feet]
GIANT TORTOISE
(Largest specimens: up to 5 1/2 feet long by 4 1/2 feet wide)