plastron

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the lower, usually flatter part of a turtle's or tortoise's shell

   The veterinarian examined a crack in the tortoise's plastron.

2. 2
   noun

   a padded guard worn over the chest in fencing

   The fencer wore a plastron beneath her jacket for added protection.

3. 3
   noun

   a decorative or protective front panel on a garment, especially a formal shirtfront

   The costume's embroidered plastron covered the front of the bodice.

Borrowed from French plastron ("breastplate, chest covering"), from Italian piastrone, an augmentative of piastra ("plate"). The protective-body sense was extended to a turtle's lower shell and to padded or decorative chest pieces.

Topics