TORTRIX • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Tortrix

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noun

Tortrix n.

(Zool.) Any one of numerous species of small moths of the family Tortricidae, the larvae of which usually roll up the leaves of plants on which they live; also called leaf roller.

(Zool.) A genus of tropical short-tailed snakes, which are not venomous. One species (Tortrix scytalae) is handsomely banded with black, and is sometimes worn alive by the natives of Brazil for a necklace.

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Etymology of 'Tortrix'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Tortrix" Quotes from Famous Books

... as to escape detection. Vain precaution! since eccentric motion betrays him to keen avian eyes, when, like the traveller's snake, he erects himself on the tip of his tail and sways about in empty space, vaguely feeling for something, he knows not what. And the mechanical tortrix that rolls up a leaf for garment and food, and preys on his own case and shelter until he has literally eaten himself stark naked; after which he rolls up a second leaf, and so on progressively. Thus in his larval life does he symbolize some restless nation that makes ...

— Birds in Town and Village • W. H. Hudson