Ivory

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈaɪvəɹi/
• Hyphenation: i + vo + ry

Origin

From Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-Norman ivurie, from Latin eboreus ("in or of ivory") adjective of ebur ("ivory") (genitive eboris), from Coptic ⲉⲃⲟⲩ (ebu, "elephant"), from Egyptian 𓍋𓃀𓅱𓌟.

Full definition of ivory

Noun

1. (uncountable) The hard white form of dentine which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.
2. A creamy white colour, the colour of ivory.
3. Something made from or resembling ivory.
4. (collective singular or in plural) The teeth.
5. (collective singular or in plural) The keys of a piano.
6. (slang) A white person.

Adjective

1. Made of ivory.
• 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 10, Men that I knew around Wapatomac didn't wear high, shiny plug hats, nor yeller spring overcoats, nor carry canes with ivory heads as big as a catboat's anchor, as you might say.
2. Resembling or having the colour of ivory.

Derived terms

Related terms

• chryselephantine
• eburnation