n. pl. i·vo·ries 1. a. A hard, smooth, yellowish-white substance composed primarily of dentin that forms the tusks of the elephant. b. A similar substance forming the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals, such as the walrus. 2. A tusk, especially an elephant's tusk. 3. An article made of ivory. 4. A substance resembling ivory. 5. A pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white. 6. ivories a. Music Piano keys. b. Games Dice. c. Slang The teeth. adj. 1. Composed or constructed of ivory. 2. Of a pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white. [Middle English ivorie, from Old French ivoire, ivurie, from Latin eboreus, of ivory, from ebur, ebor-, ivory, from Egyptian 3bw, elephant, ivory; see ELEPHANT.] |
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