A lay member of a monastic order - or a quality of a flattened sphere Crossword Clue

Hello The Guardian Crossword Fans!
We are here to help you with getting the right answer for the crossword clue "A lay member of a monastic order - or a quality of a flattened sphere".
Please check the best solution below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

In today's crossword puzzle, the clue is "A lay member of a monastic order - or a quality of a flattened sphere." The answer for this clue is "OBLATE."

Let's break down why this clue has this answer:

1. A lay member of a monastic order: This part of the clue refers to someone who belongs to a monastic order but is not ordained as a clergy member. In this context, "lay" means non-ordained. One such term within a monastic order is "OBLATE," which represents a layperson affiliated with a particular religious community. This connects to the first part of the clue.
2. A quality of a flattened sphere: The second part of the clue suggests a quality related to a flattened sphere. The term "OBLATE" is often used to describe a shape that is flattened at the poles, resembling a sphere squashed along its axis. Examples of objects that exhibit this quality are some planets, like Saturn, or geodetic reference ellipsoids used in cartography. Hence, the term "OBLATE" perfectly fits this part of the clue as well.

Combining both parts of the clue, "OBLATE" satisfies the criteria presented. It refers to the lay member of a monastic order, and it represents a quality of a flattened sphere. This answer aligns with the definition of both aspects of the clue.

Remember, solving crossword puzzles requires a combination of general knowledge and the ability to connect different concepts. Each clue is carefully crafted to guide crossword enthusiasts toward the correct solution. Crosswords offer mental stimulation and challenge our linguistic and analytical skills. So, have fun and enjoy the process of unraveling the answers!

Definition of "OBLATE"

(of a spheroid) flattened at the poles.

 The Crossword clue "A lay member of a monastic order - or a quality of a flattened sphere" published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
The Guardian	27 October 2017	OBLATE