Clearing, as a windshield (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DEFOGGING
DEFOGGING is the 9-letter answer to the crossword clue "Clearing, as a windshield." This term describes the process of removing fog, condensation, or mist from a glass surface, particularly a vehicle's windshield, to restore clear visibility for safe driving.
Understanding the Answer: DEFOGGING
- The word defogging perfectly fits this crossword clue because it specifically refers to the act of clearing moisture and condensation from windshields and windows.
- When warm, humid air inside a vehicle meets the cold glass surface of a windshield, water vapor condenses into tiny droplets that create a foggy layer, obstructing the driver's view.
- Defogging is the essential process drivers use—typically through their vehicle's defrost system, air conditioning, or manual wiping—to eliminate this moisture buildup and ensure safe driving conditions.
Related Crossword Variations
- Crossword puzzles often feature similar clues with different answer lengths or phrasings.
- You might encounter "Clear the windshield" (6 letters: DEFOG), "Windshield problem" (3 letters: FOG), or "Clear, as windows" (6 letters: DEWIPE).
- Understanding these variations helps solvers recognize the pattern: clues about clearing glass surfaces typically involve words related to fog, mist, condensation, or moisture removal.
- The 9-letter version specifically calls for the progressive form with the "-ing" suffix.
Tips for Solving Window-Clearing Clues
- Look for letter count indicators: The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters you need—in this case, 9 letters points directly to the "-ing" form rather than the base verb.
- Consider automotive terminology: Clues mentioning windshields usually want car-related vocabulary like defogging, defrosting, or deicing rather than general cleaning terms.
- Check crossing words: If you have even 2-3 intersecting letters filled in (especially the "D" at the start or double "G" near the end), you can confidently verify DEFOGGING.
- Think about prefix patterns: The "de-" prefix commonly appears in crossword answers meaning "removal of" something—defog, de-ice, declutter, debug—so train yourself to recognize this construction.
- Seasonal context matters: Some puzzles published in winter months favor cold-weather vocabulary, making defogging more likely than other window-clearing terms.
Clearing, as a windshield (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is "DEFROSTING" also 9 letters and could it work?
A: While "defrosting" is indeed 9 letters, it specifically refers to removing ice and frost, typically from a frozen windshield in winter conditions. "Defogging" is the more general term for clearing condensation and mist, making it the better fit for a clue that says "clearing" rather than "de-icing."
Q: Can I use "DEFOGGING" in Scrabble or Words With Friends?
A: Absolutely! DEFOGGING is a valid word in all major word game dictionaries. It scores well due to the double "G" and can be built from the base word "FOG" with common prefixes and suffixes.
Q: What's the difference between defogging and demisting?
A: These terms are essentially synonymous—both refer to clearing condensation from glass. "Defogging" is more common in American English and automotive contexts, while "demisting" is frequently used in British English. For crossword puzzles, DEFOGGING is the standard 9-letter answer.
Q: Are there any 9-letter alternatives to DEFOGGING for this clue?
A: DEFOGGING is the definitive answer for this specific clue. While synonyms like "clearing up" or "wiping down" exist, none form a single 9-letter word that fits crossword conventions as precisely as DEFOGGING.
Q: How do I remember the spelling—one "G" or two?
A: Remember that DEFOGGING contains the base word "FOG" (with one G), then adds "-GING" (which doubles the G before adding the suffix), resulting in DE-FOG-GING with two G's in the middle. This follows standard English spelling rules for doubling consonants before "-ing."
