ivory
n. uncountablen. a hard, white material that comes from the tusks of animals like elephants. It was used in the past to make things like piano keys and jewelry, but its use is now strictly controlled to protect animals.
n. a hard, creamy-white substance that forms the main part of the tusks of elephants, walruses, and certain other mammals. It consists primarily of dentine and is historically valued for carving and ornamentation.
The old piano has keys made of real ivory.
International laws now ban the trade of ivory to prevent the illegal hunting of elephants.
The museum's collection includes several intricate figurines carved from ivory during the nineteenth century, highlighting a period before modern conservation efforts restricted the material's use.
Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'ivory tower' or 'ivory trade'.