excelsior Hear it!

excelsior definition

ex·cel·sior (ek selsē ôr′, ik-; for n., -ər)

adjective, interjection

higher; always upward: used as a motto (as on the New York State seal)

Etymology: L, compar. of excelsus, lofty, high < pp. of excellere, excel: excelsior < orig. use as trademark

noun

long, thin wood shavings used for packing breakable things or as stuffing in some furniture

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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