ivory
noun
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The History of Ivory
A hard white substance that is a variety of dentin, ivory makes up the tusks of such animals as elephants, walruses, and preserved mammoths. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and suitability for carving. In ancient times it was treasured as highly as gold and precious stones. Most ivory used commercially once came from Africa, but this trade declined in the 20th century as the populations of African elephants shrank, and increasing worldwide concern about endangered elephant populations led to bans on the export and import of ivory. The once-thriving markets of Europe have shifted to southeast Asia, where skilled artisans, often trading illegally, carve ivory into figurines and other objects.
Examples of ivory in a Sentence
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
Both versions have the same thumbprint glass bottle design as OG You, reimagined in creamy ivory (Doux) and juicy berry (Rêve).
—Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024
These are the Lewis chessmen and are chess pieces made of walrus ivory and found in Scotland on the Isle of Lewis.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024
Editor's note: My bag has a limited edition print that's no longer available, but the Mila is still available in classic black and ivory shades.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Ivory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivory. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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ivory
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