Ebony Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛbəni/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Ebony is a dense, black, and hardwood obtained from certain tropical trees, especially the ebony tree (Diospyros spp.), prized for its durability and polishes to a high gloss.

Examples

1. “The statue was crafted from a single piece of exquisitely polished ebony.”

2. “The wood carver spent hours shaping and sanding the ebony to create a flawless surface.”

Synonyms

1. Blackwood

2. Jet

Antonyms

1. Softwood

2. Lightwood

Additional Information

Ebony has been highly valued throughout history for its beauty and durability, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians using it for furniture, decorative objects, and musical instruments. Today, ebony is still prized for its rich, dark color and fine grain, making it a popular choice for wood carvings, musical instruments, and high-end furniture.

Ebony is also associated with luxury, elegance, and sophistication, which is reflected in its use in high-end fashion and design. The wood is also highly prized for its acoustic properties, making it a popular choice for musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, and violins.

However, the harvesting of ebony has raised concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. Many species of ebony trees are threatened or endangered due to over-harvesting and habitat destruction, and conservation efforts are underway to protect these valuable resources.

Etymology

The word “ebony” comes from the Ancient Greek word “έβένινος” (ebenos), which referred to the black dye obtained from the ebony tree. The Latin word “ebenus” was derived from the Greek word, and the English word “ebony” was derived from the Latin.

Usage Notes

The word “ebony” can refer to the wood itself, or to objects made from it. It is often used to describe something that is black or dark in color, and can also be used figuratively to describe something that is elegant or sophisticated.

Cultural References

Ebony has appeared in numerous works of literature and art throughout history, often symbolizing luxury, elegance, and refinement. In music, the term “ebony” is often used to describe the black keys on a piano or keyboard.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Ebony and ivory” – a phrase used to describe something that is black and white, often used to describe a piano keyboard.

Collocations

1. Ebony wood

2. Ebony tree

3. Ebony furniture

Frequency of Use

Ebony is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still widely used in certain contexts such as music, art, and design.

Common Misspellings

1. Eboney

2. Ebiney

3. Ebiny