ebony etymology

Etymology

The word "ebony" ultimately derives from the ancient Egyptian word "hbny" (pronounced "hebeny"), which referred to the black wood of the persea tree. This term was adopted into Ancient Greek as "ebenos" (ἔβενος), which was later borrowed into Latin as "ebenus." From Latin, it entered French as "ébène" and English as "ebony."

Meaning

Ebony refers to the hard, dark-colored wood of certain tropical tree species, particularly those belonging to the genus Diospyros. Ebony is highly prized for its deep black or dark brown color, fine grain, and high density. It is commonly used in woodworking, particularly for making fine furniture, musical instruments, and other decorative objects.

Origin

Ebony trees are native to various tropical regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Madagascar. Different species of ebony have been used for centuries in different cultures.

• African ebony: (Diospyros ebenum) is native to West and Central Africa and is considered the true ebony with the darkest and most valuable wood.
• Indian ebony: (Diospyros melanoxylon) is native to South and Southeast Asia.
• Ceylon ebony: (Diospyros ebenaster) is native to Sri Lanka.
• Madagascar ebony: (Diospyros perrieri) is native to Madagascar.

Today, ebony is harvested from sustainable plantations to ensure the preservation of these endangered tree species.

ebony relate terms

• ebon

  Etymology Origin Old English Meaning Black or dark brown Origin and Development Th

• ebony

  Etymology The word ebony ultimately derives from the ancient Egyptian word hbny pron

• Ebonics

  Etymology The term Ebonics is a portmanteau of Ebony and ics from phonetics I

• ebony

  Etymology The word ebony ultimately derives from the ancient Egyptian word hbny pron

• phonics

  Etymology and Meaning The word phonics is derived from the Greek word phonos which m

• sable

  Etymology The word sable has a long and complex etymological history with roots in mul

• wood

  Etymology and Origin The word wood comes from the Middle English word wude which is

• bone

  Etymology The word bone derives from the Proto Germanic bainaz meaning bone This r

• tree

  Etymology The word tree is derived from the following roots Proto Indo European PI

• coal

  Etymology The word coal comes from the Middle English word col or cole which in tu

• pitch

  Etymology and Origin The word pitch has multiple etymological origins Latin pix

• soot

  Etymology Soot comes from the following sources Old English sot meaning blackne

• retrieve

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek word etymos which means true

• aloof

  Etymology Old English ālof meaning on high or elevated Proto Germanic alēwa