ivoren toren

Dutch

Etymology

From Song of Songs 7.4. First attested in the 1890s in the non-religious idiomatic sense, which was borrowed from French tour d'ivoire. The shift in meaning during the twentieth century is possibly influenced by English ivory tower.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /iˌvoː.rə(n) ˈtoː.rə(n)/

Noun

ivoren toren m (plural ivoren torens, diminutive ivoren torentje n)

  1. (idiomatic, chiefly derogatory) ivory tower

Usage notes

  • Originally referring to sheltered artists, but increasingly referring to academia during the 20th century.

Proper noun

ivoren toren m

  1. (Roman Catholicism) A title of address for Mary (mother of Jesus), or specifically her neck.
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