Category:Chelonia

Che*lo"ni*a, n.; pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Defn: An order of reptiles, including the tortoises and turtles, perculiar in having a part of the vertebræ, ribs, and sternum united with the dermal plates so as to form a firm shell. The jaws are covered by a horny beak. See Reptilia; also, Illust. in Appendix.