Eburine

/ˈɛbjəraɪn/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or made of ivory; having the characteristics of ivory such as smoothness and pale color.

Etymology

From Latin ebur (ivory) + -ine (adjectival suffix meaning 'of or pertaining to'). The -ine suffix is ancient, used across Romance languages to create adjectives. This word appears in medieval English texts describing luxury goods.

Kelly Says

In medieval times, 'eburine' was a status symbol word—calling something eburine meant it was as precious as ivory, which was more expensive than gold for ordinary people!

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