Ivories

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪvəɹiːz/

Definitions

A slang term referring to piano keys, emphasizing their color and material
A colloquial expression for the keys of a piano, highlighting the ivory-like surface
A playful reference to the keys found on pianos, often associated with music and performance

Etymology: The plural form under discussion derives from a material prized since antiquity: the dense, creamy-white substance obtained from the tusks and teeth of certain animals, chiefly elephants. Historically, "ivory" entered English in the Middle Ages, borrowed from Old French "ivoire," which itself traces back to Latin "ebur," a term for ivory or the ivory-like substance. The Latin word likely originates from a North African or ancient Mediterranean language, reflecting the trade routes through which ivory was prized and transported. In English, the singular form "ivory" came to denote the material itself, as well as objects fashioned from it. The plural "ivories" emerged as a colloquial and somewhat playful way to refer collectively to ivory items—often piano keys or billiard balls, which were traditionally made from this substance. By the 18th century, musicians and craftsmen would talk about "the ivories" when referring to piano keys, which were once prized for their smooth, durable texture before the widespread use of plastics. This plural usage highlights a metonymic shift: from the material to objects composed of it and, more specifically, to parts of instruments associated with skill and artistry. The phrase "tickle the ivories" became a common idiom, underscoring the cultural association between ivory keys and piano playing. The term thus evolved from a simple material noun into a synecdoche for musical performance. Though modern awareness of elephant conservation has reduced the use of genuine ivory, the plural form persists in cultural and musical contexts. Its history reflects not only linguistic evolution but also the interplay between material culture, commerce, and art.