Ivory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ivory
[หaษชvษri ]
Definitions
material
Hard white material made from the tusks of elephants and other animals. Ivory is valued for its beauty and is often used to make decorative items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ivory |
Ivory is often used to describe the material obtained from elephant tusks, and it has a luxurious or exotic connotation. It can also refer to the color, which is a creamy white.
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| tusk |
Tusk refers specifically to the long, protruding teeth of certain animals like elephants, walruses, and boars. It is often used in discussions about wildlife or poaching.
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| bone |
Bone is the hard, rigid connective tissue that forms the skeleton of vertebrate animals. It is commonly used in more scientific or anatomical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The piano keys were made of ivory.
- The intricate carvings on the ivory statue were mesmerizing.
color
A pale yellowish-white color resembling the material ivory.
Synonyms
cream, off-white.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ivory |
Ivory refers to a shade of white with a slight yellow or beige tint. It's often associated with luxury, elegance, and classic styles, commonly used in wedding dresses, fine linens, or heirloom pieces.
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| cream |
Cream is a warm, pale color with a hint of yellow. It's often used in home decor, clothing, and food descriptions. It evokes a cozy, inviting atmosphere and is perfect for interiors and fashion.
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| off-white |
Off-white is a general term for whites with slight color impurities, like gray or beige tones. It's used when pure white might be too stark or intense, offering a mellow alternative for clothing, paint, and paper.
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Examples of usage
- She painted the walls in a soft ivory shade.
- The bride wore an elegant ivory wedding dress.
trade
Illegal trade in the tusks of elephants and other animals for the purpose of making ivory goods.
Synonyms
ivory trafficking, tusk trade.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ivory |
The same word 'ivory' can also be used metaphorically when describing a creamy-white color in various contexts.
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| tusk trade |
Refers specifically to the buying and selling of animal tusks, typically elephant tusks. This term also has a negative connotation due to its association with illegal and unethical activities.
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| ivory trafficking |
Used in discussions about the illegal trade and smuggling of ivory, which is a serious environmental and animal conservation issue. This term has a strongly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The government cracked down on the ivory trade to protect endangered species.
- Poaching for ivory continues to be a major problem in many countries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art and Culture
- Ivory has been used for thousands of years to create intricate sculptures, jewelry, and tools, showcasing the artistry of various cultures.
- Victorian-era furniture often included ivory inlays, reflecting its status as a luxury material.
Conservation
- The trade of ivory is heavily regulated due to the decline of elephant populations, with various international agreements in place to protect these animals.
- Illegal poaching for ivory has become a significant conservation issue, prompting global awareness campaigns.
Science
- Ivory is composed of dentin, a dense tissue found in teeth and tusks, making it both strong and lightweight.
- Researchers study ivory to understand the biological and chemical processes that give it its unique properties.
Mythology and Literature
- In literature, 'ivory towers' symbolize a state of privileged isolation, often used to describe scholars or intellectuals out of touch with reality.
- Chinese mythology often featured ivory, especially in tales highlighting the exquisite beauty and value of the material.
Origin of 'ivory'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ivory' comes from the Latin word 'ebor-', meaning 'bone' or 'ivory'.
- In ancient Egypt, ivory was called 'atu' and was considered a precious resource for carvings and jewelry.
The word 'ivory' originated from the Old French word 'ivurie', which came from Latin 'ebur', itself derived from Ancient Greek 'elephฤs'. Ivory has been prized for its beauty and rarity throughout history, leading to the exploitation of elephants and other animals for their tusks. The ivory trade has been a significant factor in the decline of elephant populations and has led to widespread conservation efforts to protect these creatures.