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ivoire

ivory

noun ee-VWAR Rare
Animals & Nature Environment

Usage Note

Ivoire refers to the dense white material from elephant tusks, and by extension to the creamy-white colour. The trade in elephant ivory is banned internationally. La Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) takes its name from historical trade in the material. As an adjective of colour it is invariable: des dents ivoire.

Examples

"La statue est taillée dans l'ivoire."

Natural Translation

The statue is carved from ivory.

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