Promoting digestion (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PEPTIC
Understanding the Crossword Clue
- Without promoting digestion (6) leads to the answer PEPTIC. This cryptic clue plays on the medical term "peptic," which relates to digestion and stomach function.
- The wordplay works as a reversal of meaning - when something is "without promoting digestion" or fails to aid digestive processes, it can still be described using the term "peptic" in its broader medical context, particularly when referring to peptic ulcers or conditions that actually impair rather than promote healthy digestion.
Why This Clue Works
- The cryptic nature of this clue lies in its contradictory phrasing. While "peptic" literally means "relating to digestion," the clue uses "without promoting" to hint at peptic disorders where digestion is actually hindered.
- This is a classic example of crossword misdirection, where solvers must think beyond the literal interpretation and consider medical terminology where peptic conditions often represent digestive problems rather than digestive health.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for medical terminology - Many six-letter words in crosswords relate to medical or scientific terms, especially those ending in "-ic" or "-al"
- Consider contradictions - Cryptic clues often use phrases that seem opposite to the actual meaning of the answer
- Think about common conditions - Terms like "peptic ulcer" are widely known, making PEPTIC a reasonable crossword answer
- Count your letters carefully - The (6) indicator confirms you need exactly six letters, which helps narrow down possibilities
- Check crossing words - If you have P_P_IC partially filled, the answer becomes much clearer
Promoting digestion (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Can "peptic" mean anything other than digestive-related?
A: No, peptic specifically relates to digestion, the stomach, and the digestive enzyme pepsin. It's always used in medical or biological contexts.
Q: What's the most common use of the word peptic?
A: The phrase "peptic ulcer" is by far the most common usage, referring to open sores that develop on the stomach or intestinal lining.
Q: Is this a cryptic or straight crossword clue?
A: This is a cryptic-style clue that uses misdirection through the phrase "without promoting," though peptic itself relates to digestion.
Q: Are there other medical terms commonly used in crosswords?
A: Yes, terms like SEPTIC, OPTIC, HEPATIC, and CARDIAC frequently appear in crosswords due to their letter patterns and common usage.
