Early number? Crossword Clue

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The clue for your today's crossword puzzle is: "Early number?" ,published by New York Times. Please check our best answer below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

Today's crossword clue "Early number?" leads to the answer "ETHER" for a specific reason. In this context, the word "number" could be interpreted not in the numerical sense but as a placeholder for a concept or substance. Therefore, "number" in the clue is hinting at a type of element or entity, rather than a mathematical value. Here's why "ETHER" fits this clue:

• Historical Significance: Ether holds historical importance as an early form of anesthesia used in medical procedures.
• Chemical Element: Ether is a compound that was commonly used for its anesthetic properties before safer alternatives were developed.
• Relating to Time: The reference to "early" in the clue could be associating "ETHER" with a substance that was prevalent in the medical field during the early stages of anesthesia discovery.

By considering the historical significance of ether as an early anesthesia agent and its relevance to the medical field, the answer "ETHER" aligns perfectly with the crossword clue "Early number?". The use of "number" cleverly misdirects the solver towards thinking beyond numerical values to arrive at the correct word.

Definition of "ETHER"

a pleasant-smelling colourless volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anaesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes.

Example :

methyl t-butyl ether

nasty gases and smoke disperse into the ether

choral evensong still wafts across the ether

 The Crossword clue "Early number?" published 4 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
New York Times	23 February 2024	ETHER
L.A. Times Daily	29 August 2021	ETHER
The Washington Post	22 September 2018	ETHER