First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
ivory
noun ivo·ry \ˈīv-rē, ˈī-və-rē\
: a hard white substance that forms the tusks of elephants and other animals
: a slightly yellowish white color
: a piano key
plural ivo·ries
Full Definition of IVORY
1
a : the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal) b : a tusk that yields ivory
2
: a variable color averaging a pale yellow
3
slang : tooth
4
: something (as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance
— ivory adjective
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Origin of IVORY
Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-French ivoire, ivurie, from Latin eboreus of ivory, from ebor-, ebur ivory, from Egyptian ˒ʾb, ˒ʾbw elephant, ivory
IVORIES Defined for Kids
ivory
noun ivo·ry \ˈī-və-rē, ˈīv-rē\
plural ivo·ries
Definition of IVORY for Kids
1
: a hard creamy-white material that forms the tusks of mammals (as elephants)
2
: a creamy white color
Medical Dictionary
ivory
noun ivo·ry \ˈīv-(ə-)rē\
plural ivo·ries
Medical Definition of IVORY
: the hard creamy-white modified dentin that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal and especially the elephant
—ivory adjective
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