excelsior

¹

[ ik-sel-see-er, ek- ]

noun

1. fine wood shavings, used for stuffing, packing, etc.
2. Printing. a 3-point type: a size smaller than brilliant.

excelsior

²

[ ek-sel-si-ohr; English ik-sel-see-awr, ek- ]

adjective

, Latin.

1. ever upward: motto of New York State.

excelsior

/ ɪkˈsɛlsɪˌɔː /

interjection

1. excellent: used as a motto and as a trademark for various products, esp in the US for fine wood shavings used for packing breakable objects
2. upwards

Word History and Origins

Origin of excelsior¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; formerly a trademark

Word History and Origins

Origin of excelsior¹

C19: from Latin: higher