steel wool

noun

1. a tangled or matted mass of stringlike steel shavings, used for scouring, polishing, smoothing, etc.

steel wool

noun

1. a tangled or woven mass of fine steel fibres, used for cleaning or polishing

Word History and Origins

Origin of steel wool¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Steel wool is made by turning off fine shavings from the edges of a number of thin discs of steel, held together in a lathe.

From Project Gutenberg

If the grain is raised, sandpaper lightly, or rub with steel wool and then with boiled oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Really fine steel wool will make an excellent blaze if a match is touched to it.

From Project Gutenberg

Each coat of the shellac should be rubbed when thoroughly dried with curled hair or fine steel wool or fine oiled sandpaper.

From Project Gutenberg