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Ivory - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Ivory : (noun)
1: a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of
the tusks of elephants and walruses [syn: tusk]
2: a shade of white the color of bleached bones [syn: bone, pearl,
off-white]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Ivory : \I"vo*ry\, n.; pl. Ivories. [OE. ivori, F. ivoire, fr.
L. eboreus made of ivory, fr. ebur, eboris, ivory, cf. Skr.
ibha elephant. Cf. Eburnean.]
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Ivory : (Heb. pl. shenhabbim, the "tusks of elephants") was early used
in decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was
carried on by the Assyrians (Ezek. 27:6; Rev. 18:12). It was
used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches
of their galleys, and Hiram's skilled workmen made Solomon's
throne of ivory (1 Kings 10:18). It was brought by the caravans
of Dedan (Isa. 21:13), and from the East Indies by the navy of
Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many specimens of ancient Egyptian and
Assyrian ivory-work have been preserved. The word _habbim_ is
derived from the Sanscrit _ibhas_, meaning "elephant," preceded
by the Hebrew article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir,
from which it and the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22
were brought, was in India.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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