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Excel

//ɪkˈsɛl// name, verb

Definitions

Proper Noun

1
Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet application software program written and distributed by Microsoft.
"“Do you know Excel?” ¶ “No.” ¶ “Could you learn?” ¶ “Probably not. I find it very difficult to learn things I don't already know.” Then, remembering the advice that I try to sell myself, I added, “But I'm sure I'd pick it up eventually.”"

Verb

1
To surpass someone or something; to be better or do better than someone or something. transitive
"I excelled everyone else with my exam results."
2
distinguish oneself wordnet
3
To be much better than others. intransitive
"But it is as a destroyer of grasshoppers that the dickcissel excels."
4
To exceed, to go beyond. archaic, rare, transitive
"She opened; but to shut / Excelled her power: the gates wide open stood […]"

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English excellen, from Old French exceller, from Latin excellere, excelsum; ex (“out”) + *cellō, an unattested verb root found in culmen (“height, top”); Compare French exceller. See also culminate, column.

Etymology 2

From excel. The name was selected in 1984 by Microsoft after being submitted by a branch manager and is thought to convey superiority over other spreadsheet programs, especially then dominant Lotus 1-2-3.

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