Ivory

Part of Speech

Noun, Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.vɔː.ri/

Definitions

1. A hard, white material made from the tusks of elephants and other animals, traditionally used for carving and making decorative objects.
2. The tusks of an elephant or other animal, often referring to the ivory material itself.
3. A pale, off-white color resembling the hue of ivory.
4. In some contexts, a symbolic or metaphorical term for something rare, precious, or unattainable.

Usage Examples

• "The artist carved intricate figures from ivory, creating masterpieces admired for their detail."
• "The piano keys, once made from ivory, are now commonly made from synthetic materials."
• "The ivory color of the wedding dress was a perfect choice for the elegant ceremony."
• "He lived in an ivory tower, disconnected from the realities of the world outside."

Etymology

The word "ivory" comes from the Latin word "ebur," meaning "elephant's tusk" or "ivory," which was adopted into Old French as "ivorie" and later into English. Historically, ivory has been used for carving, making jewelry, and crafting fine objects. The term was extended in the 19th century to refer to a pale off-white color, due to the similarity between the material and the color of the tusks.

Synonyms

• Bone
• Alabaster
• Off-white

Antonyms

• Jet black
• Ebony
• Charcoal

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (US): /ˈaɪ.vɔː.ri/
• English (UK): /ˈaɪ.vɔː.ri/

Historical Usage

Ivory has been used for thousands of years, particularly in art and craftsmanship. In ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, ivory was highly prized for its durability and aesthetic quality, especially for making statues, jewelry, and decorative objects. Its use continued through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, where ivory was frequently carved into small intricate figures. The ivory trade led to significant economic impact in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, though the trade is now illegal due to conservation concerns surrounding elephant populations.

Cultural Nuances

Ivory has long been associated with wealth and luxury. In the Victorian era, ivory was used extensively for fine art, furniture, and even personal items such as combs and handles. However, the ethics of using ivory became a significant issue in the 20th century as the environmental and ethical concerns regarding the poaching of elephants became more widely recognized. Today, the term "ivory" also connotes the color of purity and elegance, often used in fashion and interior design.

More Information

Ivory was once a material used extensively in art and craftsmanship due to its smooth texture and ability to take fine detail when carved. However, the negative impact of the ivory trade on elephant populations led to international efforts to ban the trade in ivory, particularly under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Today, synthetic alternatives are used in place of ivory in most contexts. Despite this, ivory continues to hold cultural and historical significance, and it is studied by art historians, environmentalists, and conservators alike for its impact on both art and wildlife conservation.