Definition

Noun: 1. Thin, curly wood shavings used for packing or stuffing: A material consisting of fine, slender strips of wood, typically produced by a planing machine, used primarily as a lightweight cushioning or filling material in packaging.

Usage

• As a material noun: "Excelsior" is an uncountable noun referring to the substance itself. It is often used in contexts related to shipping, storage, and crafts.
  • The fragile vase was carefully packed in a box filled with excelsior.
  • They used excelsior to stuff the scarecrow before dressing it.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Industrial Context: While still used, "excelsior" is a somewhat dated term for this packing material. Modern equivalents include foam peanuts, bubble wrap, or shredded paper, but "excelsior" is still recognized, especially in specific industries or historical descriptions.
  • The antique doll, originally packed in excelsior, was found in perfect condition.

Variants and Related Words

• Wood wool: A synonym for excelsior, more commonly used in British English.
• Packing material / Filling: General terms that include excelsior as a specific type.

Synonyms

• Wood shavings
• Packing straw
• Wood wool

Notes on Different Meanings

• The Interjection "Excelsior!": It is critical to distinguish the noun "excelsior" (packing material) from the Latin-derived interjection "Excelsior!" (meaning "ever upward!" or "higher!"). They are homographs (spelled the same) but are different words with entirely different meanings and origins. The interjection is a motto or exclamation, not a physical object.
  • The state's motto is "Excelsior," meaning "Ever Upward." (This is the interjection, not the noun for wood shavings).

Noun

1. thin curly wood shavings used for packing or stuffing