tortoiselike
Slow and armored
Resembling a tortoise in some way—typically in slowness, deliberateness, or protective withdrawal.
A tortoiselike pace is unhurried.
Tortoiselike caution suggests retreating into safety at the first sign of trouble.
The word can also describe physical features: a tortoiselike neck or tortoiselike movements.
Turtle family member
- scalyCovered with thin plates
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
- terrapinSmall edible marsh turtle
- leatheryResembling animal hide
wrinkled · beaked · clawed · scutes · basking · burrowing · herbivorous · terrestrial
Hard outer covering
- carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
- armoredProtected by metal covering
- shieldedProtected from harm
- encasedCompletely surrounded by covering
retracted · withdrawn · fortified · defended · guarded · insulated · sheltered · secure
Moving slowly, heavily
- crawlingMoving on hands, knees
- sluggishSlow and inactive
- unhurriedTaking one's time
- lumberingMoving heavily and awkwardly
ponderous · snail-paced · dawdling · laggard · meandering · torpid · lethargic · languid
Having extended lifespan
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- durableAble to withstand use
lasting · surviving · steadfast · patient · determined · unwavering · resolute · unhurried
chelonian
Turtle family member
- scalyCovered with thin plates
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
- terrapinSmall edible marsh turtle
leathery · wrinkled · beaked · clawed · scutes · basking · burrowing · herbivorous · terrestrial · domed
shell
Hard outer covering
encased · retracted · withdrawn · fortified · defended · guarded · insulated · sheltered · secure · tucked
plodding
Moving slowly, heavily
lumbering · ponderous · snail-paced · dawdling · laggard · meandering · torpid · lethargic · languid · leisurely
long-lived
Having extended lifespan
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
durable · lasting · surviving · steadfast · patient · determined · unwavering · resolute · unhurried · measured