1. Wood: Ebony refers to the very hard, dense, and dark-colored wood of several species of tropical evergreen trees. This wood is prized for its durability, beauty, and rich black color.
2. Color: Ebony also refers to a deep, rich black color like that of the wood.
In addition to these two primary meanings, "ebony" can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something:
* Extremely dark or black: You might say "an ebony night" to describe a very dark night.
* Dark-skinned: While this usage is becoming less common due to its potential for being offensive, "ebony" was sometimes used to describe someone with very dark skin.
It's important to be mindful of the context and potential connotations when using the word "ebony."