Freezing point (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ICICLE
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Freezing Point
- Freezing point (6) leads us to the answer ICICLE, a six-letter word that perfectly captures the essence of water at its coldest state.
- An icicle forms when water reaches its freezing point and solidifies into a hanging spike of ice, making it a literal representation of freezing conditions.
Related Crossword Clues and Variations
- Similar clues you might encounter include "Hanging ice formation," "Winter spike," "Frozen drip," or "Roof hanger in winter."
- All of these point toward ICICLE as the solution.
- Crossword constructors favor this word because it contains common vowel patterns and frequently used consonants, making it versatile for grid construction.
Quick Tips for Solving Cold-Weather Crossword Clues
- Look for seasonal context: Clues mentioning winter, frost, or freezing almost always reference ice-related terms like icicle, glacier, or sleet.
- Count the letters first: The number in parentheses (6) immediately tells you the answer length, helping narrow possibilities.
- Think literally: "Freezing point" can mean both the temperature and an actual frozen object - icicles are physical manifestations of that concept.
- Consider common crossword words: ICICLE appears frequently in puzzles due to its letter pattern and recognizable definition.
Freezing point (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is icicle spelled with two C's?
The word derives from Middle English "isikel," combining "ice" with "ikel" (icicle), and the double-C spelling became standard in modern English, maintaining the pronunciation clarity between syllables.
Q: Are there other 6-letter answers for "freezing point"?
While ICICLE is the most common answer, occasionally "FREEZE" might work depending on the crossing letters, though it's less poetic and doesn't capture the visual element as effectively.
Q: What makes icicle a good crossword word?
Its alternating vowel-consonant pattern (I-C-I-C-L-E) provides excellent flexibility for constructors, and its clear definition makes it accessible to solvers of all skill levels.
Q: Do icicles only form at exactly 32°F?
Icicles can continue growing even when temperatures drop well below freezing point, as long as there's a source of liquid water above that can drip and freeze upon contact with the existing ice structure.
