Ivory Tower

Ivory tower

An ivory tower is a state of privileged seclusion from the practicalities of real life. An ivory tower can be a place where people choose to disconnect from the rest of the world to follow their own interests, usually mental or esoteric ones. From the 19th century, it has been used to designate an environment of intellectual pursuit disconnected from the practical concerns of everyday life. The term is often used now to refer to academia or the college and university systems. The term originated from the Biblical Song of Songs with a different meaning and was later used as an epithet for Mary.

Ivory Tower (2014 film)

Ivory Tower is a 2014 American documentary film written, directed and produced by Andrew Rossi. The film premiered in the competition category of the U.S. Documentary Competition program at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2014.

Ivory

Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals, that consists mainly of dentin, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is the same, regardless of the species of origin, but ivory contains structures of mineralized collagen. The trade in certain tusks and teeth other than elephant is well established and widespread; therefore, "ivory" can correctly be used to describe any mammalian teeth or tusks of commercial interest which are large enough to be carved or scrimshawed.

Tower

A tower is a tall structure, taller than it is wide, often by a significant factor. Towers are distinguished from masts by their lack of guy-wires and are therefore, along with tall buildings, self-supporting structures.

ivory tower

Noun

1. A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.

Adjective

1. Separated from reality and practical matters; overly academic.