ebony
/ˈɛbəni/
NOUN
1. A deep, dark black color
A very dark, rich black color, often resembling the appearance of polished ebony wood or something completely black.
1.1. Colors and shades of black
Used to describe an intense, deep black shade, particularly in comparison with lighter or less saturated colors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The artist carefully selected an ebony shade to create a dramatic contrast in the painting.
- In the dimly lit room, the cat's ebony fur blended into the shadows.
- The majestic eagle displayed beautiful ebony feathers against the bright sky.
Related Words
- ebon
- coal-black
- charcoal
- obsidian
- onyx
- midnight
- sooty
- stygian
- shadowy
- somber
NOUN
2. A hard, dense black wood
A heavy, exceptionally hard, dense, and dark wood obtained from several tropical and subtropical trees, particularly species of the genus Diospyros, valued for its fine texture and deep black color.
2.1. Wood, timber, and woodworking materials
Refers to the dark, durable hardwood used in fine furniture, decorative objects, musical instruments, and ornamental woodworking.
Synonyms
- wood
Examples
- The piano's keys were made of smooth, polished ebony.
- The craftsman carved an intricate jewelry box from a solid piece of ebony.
- The antique furniture featured beautifully polished ebony wood.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A tree that produces ebony wood
A tropical or subtropical tree, particularly belonging to the genus Diospyros, that produces the exceptionally hard and dark wood known as ebony.
3.1. Tropical trees and timber-producing species
Refers to trees cultivated or harvested for their dense, dark hardwood, which is used in furniture making, carving, and decorative craftsmanship.
Synonyms
- ebony tree
Examples
- The ebony grows slowly in tropical forests and produces exceptionally dense wood.
- The conservation program protects several species of ebony from excessive logging.
Related Words
- Diospyros
- tropical hardwood
- evergreen tree
- heartwood
- timber tree
- hardwood species
- blackwood
ADJECTIVE
4. Made of ebony wood
Made from or resembling ebony, especially in reference to objects crafted from its hard, dense, dark-colored wood.
4.1. Materials and crafted objects
Describes furniture, accessories, musical instruments, or decorative objects constructed from ebony wood or designed to resemble its distinctive appearance.
Synonyms
- ebon
- wooden
Examples
- The antique cabinet featured an ebony finish and intricate carvings.
- She kept her jewelry in an elegant ebony box.
- The musician admired the polished ebony keys of the instrument.
Related Words
- hardwood
- polished
- carved
- ornamental
- timber
- wooden
- mahogany
- rosewood
ADJECTIVE
5. Dark-skinned or black in appearance
Describing a person or physical feature as having a very dark complexion or appearance.
5.1. Skin tone and physical appearance
Used descriptively for a very dark complexion or skin tone, particularly in literary or figurative language.
Synonyms
- dark
- dusky
- swart
- swarthy
- black
- brunet
- brunette
Antonyms
Examples
- The portrait highlighted her ebony complexion against a softly illuminated background.
- The poet described the character's ebony features using rich and expressive imagery.
Related Words
- complexion
- pigmentation
- skin tone
- melanin
- dark-haired
- appearance
NOUN
6. A black key on a keyboard instrument
A black key on a piano or another keyboard instrument, traditionally associated with keys made from ebony wood.
6.1. Piano keys and musical instruments
Refers to the black keys on a piano or keyboard, which are positioned between certain white keys and represent sharps and flats.
Synonyms
- black key
Antonyms
- white key
Examples
- The pianist moved effortlessly between the ivory and ebony keys.
- She practiced the scales by alternating between the white keys and the ebony keys.