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ivory

[ˈaɪvəri]

ivory Definition

  • 1hard white material made from elephant tusks, used for carving and ornamental objects
  • 2a pale yellowish-white color

Using ivory: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ivory" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The ivory carvings were displayed in the museum.

  • Example

    The piano keys were made of ivory.

  • Example

    The statue was adorned with ivory ornaments.

ivory Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ivory

Phrases with ivory

  • a state of privileged seclusion or separation from the facts and practicalities of the real world

    Example

    He spent his life in an ivory tower, writing books that nobody read.

  • the commercial activity of buying and selling ivory, often illegally obtained from poaching elephants

    Example

    The ivory trade has been banned in many countries to protect endangered species.

  • ivory-billed woodpecker

    a large woodpecker that is native to the southeastern United States and Cuba, and is considered critically endangered

    Example

    The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the rarest birds in North America.

Origins of ivory

from Old French 'ivurie', from Latin 'ebur'

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Summary: ivory in Brief

The term 'ivory' [ˈaɪvəri] refers to a hard white material made from elephant tusks, used for carving and ornamental objects. It also denotes a pale yellowish-white color. Examples include 'The ivory carvings were displayed in the museum.' and 'The statue was adorned with ivory ornaments.' The phrase 'ivory tower' describes a state of privileged seclusion, while 'ivory trade' refers to the illegal buying and selling of ivory.

How do native speakers use this expression?

They

have

long

been

hunted

by

poachers

intent

on

stealing

their

ivory

tusks.