wonder word: tortoise

I wonder how an American pronounces…
tortoise
/ˈtɔ-ɚ-dɪs/

tortoise  /ˈtɔ–ɚ–dɪs/

Notice that you can hear 3 syllables:  /ˈtɔ–ɚ–dɪs/

1.  to = /ˈtɔ/

To say /ɔ/ make your mouth round, in the shape of a small ball.  /smɔl-bɔl/

2.  r = /ɚ/

3.  toise = /dɪs/

tortoise  /ˈtɔ–ɚ–dɪs/

Let’s look at the pronunciation of these 2 words:

toward  = 2 syllables = /ˈtɔ–ɚd/

tortoise = 3 syllables = /ˈtɔ–ɚ–dɪs/

Why is the written t pronounced /d/?

tortoise  /ˈtɔ-ɚ-dɪs/

The shell of a tortoise has a special pattern.

Horn-rimmed tortoiseshell glasses copy that special pattern.

A tortoiseshell cat has fur with a design like the shell of a tortoise.
Tortoiseshell cats are almost all female.

By the way, do you know the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?  Click on this link to find out.