any reptile of the order Testudines, comprising aquatic and terrestrial species having the trunk enclosed in a shell consisting of a dorsal carapace and a ventral plastron.

(not used technically) an aquatic turtle as distinguished from a terrestrial one. Compare tortoise ( def. 1 ) .

to catch turtles, esp. as a business. ?

turn turtle

Nautical . to capsize or turn over completely in foundering.

to overturn; upset

Several of the cars turned turtle in the course of the race.

adjective

chelonian , testudinal

noun

chelonian , cooter , leatherback , loggerhead , reptile , slowpoke , snapper , terrapin , testudinal , tortoise