ivory black

American  

noun

1. a fine black pigment made by calcining ivory.

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ivory black British  

noun

1. a black pigment obtained by grinding charred scraps of ivory in oil

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Etymology

Origin of ivory black

First recorded in 1625–35

Compare meaning

How does ivory-black compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lampblack vs. ivory black

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ivory black

She may repeat this process twenty times or more, sanding the entire surface, before she lays down the next layer of ivory black mixed with burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and sometimes a touch of white.

From The New Yorker ● Aug. 26, 2019

She knew the paw well, dipped in white fur, claws that alternated black, ivory, black, ivory.

From The New Yorker ● Nov. 22, 2010

In this form bones are called ivory black, or bone-black.

From The Elements of Agriculture A Book for Young Farmers, with Questions Prepared for the Use of Schools by Waring, George E. (George Edwin)

Take ivory black and brown sugar candy, of each two ounces; of sweet oil a table-spoonful; add gradually thereto a pint of vinegar, cold, and stir the whole till gradually incorporated.—Another.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

In three pints of small beer, put two ounces of ivory black, and one pennyworth of brown sugar.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849