ivoren toren
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Dutch[edit]
Etymology[edit]
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[edit]
Noun[edit]
ivoren toren m (plural ivoren torens, diminutive ivoren torentje n)
- (idiomatic, chiefly derogatory) ivory tower
Usage notes[edit]
- Originally referring to sheltered artists, but increasingly referring to academia during the 20th century.
Proper noun[edit]
- (Roman Catholicism) A title of address for Mary (mother of Jesus), or specifically her neck.