ivorylike

ivorylike

The artist carved an ivorylike sculpture of a swan.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Resembling ivory: "ivorylike" describes something that has a similar appearance, texture, or colour to ivory, the hard, creamy-white material from elephant tusks.
Usage Examples
  • (The surface resembled ivory in texture and colour.)
  • (Her complexion had the creamy-white tone of ivory.)
  • (The coating imitated the look and feel of ivory.)
Advanced Usage

  • "ivorylike sheen": a lustrous, soft gloss that mimics the natural polish of ivory.

    • The antique box had an ivorylike sheen from years of careful handling. (The surface reflected light in a way similar to polished ivory.)

  • "ivorylike hardness": a degree of firmness comparable to that of ivory, which is dense and durable.

    • The synthetic material was designed for ivorylike hardness, making it suitable for carving. (The material was as tough as real ivory.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Ivory (n): the hard, white material from elephant tusks, used for carvings and ornaments.
    • The necklace was made of genuine ivory. (The material came from an elephant tusk.)
  • Ivory (adj): of a creamy white colour; made of or resembling ivory.
    • She wore an ivory dress to the wedding. (The dress was a pale, creamy white.)
  • Ivorylike (adv): in a manner that resembles ivory (rarely used as an adverb).
    • The surface glowed ivorylike under the lamp. (It glowed in a way similar to ivory.)
Synonyms
  • Ivory: directly meaning resembling or made of ivory; often used interchangeably with "ivorylike" in casual contexts.
    • The ivory finish was smooth. (The finish resembled ivory.)
  • Creamy: having a pale, yellowish-white colour similar to ivory.
    • The creamy paint matched the decor. (The colour was like ivory.)
  • Bone-white: a shade of white resembling bone, similar to ivory.
    • The bone-white tiles looked elegant. (The colour was pale and natural.)
Related Idioms
  • No common idioms directly use "ivorylike". However, the word "ivory" appears in:
    • "Ivory tower": a state of privileged seclusion or separation from practical affairs.
      • The professor lived in an ivory tower, disconnected from everyday problems. (He was isolated from reality.)
  • "Tickling the ivories": a playful idiom meaning to play the piano (referring to ivory piano keys).
    • He spent the evening tickling the ivories at the party. (He played the piano.)