The correct spelling of "ivory trader" is /ˈaɪvəri ˈtreɪdər/. The word "ivory" is spelled with the letter "i" before the letter "v" and the sound /aɪ/ is represented by the letters "i" and "y". The word "trader" is spelled as it sounds, with the letters "t-r-a-d-e-r" representing the sounds /treɪdər/. An ivory trader is someone who buys and sells ivory, which can come from elephants, walruses, and other animals. However, the ivory trade is controversial due to its impact on animal populations and the environment.
An ivory trader refers to an individual or business involved in the buying and selling of ivory, which is a valuable and exquisite natural material obtained from the tusks of elephants, walruses, and other large tusked mammals. The term "ivory trader" typically conveys a commercial context in which ivory is treated as a commodity, rather than referring to individuals or groups who use ivory for cultural or artistic purposes.
An ivory trader plays a critical role in the supply chain of the ivory trade. They acquire ivory products from various sources, including legally obtained and illegal ivory, and then seek potential buyers such as collectors, artisans, or even retail markets. The transactional nature of ivory trading can involve significant financial transactions due to the high market demand for ivory.
While the sale of ivory has a long history, the term "ivory trader" is often associated with the exploitative and illegal trade of ivory. Due to the concerns about wildlife conservation and animal welfare, the ivory trade has come under intense scrutiny, and international efforts have been made to curtail or ban it altogether. Ivory traders who engage in illegal practices involving poaching or smuggling are considered significant contributors to the decline in elephant populations and the destruction of ecosystems.
In recent times, the term "ivory trader" has acquired negative connotations, representing a profession that is widely condemned for its adverse impact on wildlife preservation and biodiversity.
The word ivory trader is formed by combining the noun ivory and the noun or agent suffix -er with the word trade.
Etymologically, ivory traces back to the Latin word ebur, which also meant ivory. The Latin term can be traced further back to the ancient Egyptian word ab, meaning elephant.
The noun-forming suffix -er in ivory trader is derived from the Old English -ere, which meant one who does or performs something. In this case, -er denotes that the person is involved in trading ivory. The term trader itself comes from the Old English word tradian, meaning to tread or to track. It evolved to mean one who conducts business by exchanging goods or services.