das Elfenbein, -e
ivory
Definition & meaning
Elfenbein primarily refers to ivory, the hard, white, opaque substance that makes up the tusks of elephants and certain other animals like walruses or narwhals. Historically, it has been a highly prized material for creating art, jewelry, billiard balls, and piano keys. Due to animal welfare and conservation efforts, the trade of new ivory is now strictly regulated or banned internationally.
Secondly, the word is used to describe a specific color. It refers to an off-white or creamy white shade that mimics the appearance of the natural material.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a neuter noun: das Elfenbein. Its plural form is die Elfenbeine, though it is rarely used in the plural as it functions mostly as a mass noun.
It is a compound noun consisting of two parts:
- Elfen-: This prefix is derived from the Middle High German helfenbein, which comes from the Latin word elephantus, meaning elephant .
- Bein: In modern German, Bein usually means "leg," but its original Germanic meaning was "bone" . This older meaning is preserved in this compound, signifying "elephant bone."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For the material: Elfenbeinsubstanz .
- For the source: Stoßzahn (tusk).
- For the color: Cremeweiß or elfenbeinfarben (ivory-colored).
Antonyms: There is no direct linguistic antonym for the material itself. However, in the context of art and aesthetics, it is frequently paired or contrasted with:
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Examples
Das Klavier hat Tasten aus Elfenbein.noun
The piano has keys made of ivory.
Früher wurde Elfenbein oft für Schmuck verwendet.noun
In the past, ivory was often used for jewelry.
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