Strait (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: NARROWS
Understanding the Clue: Strait (7)
The crossword clue "Strait (7)" leads to the answer NARROWS - a geographical term that perfectly captures the essence of what a strait represents.
- A strait is a narrow waterway that connects two larger bodies of water, and the word "narrows" literally describes this constricted passage between landmasses.
- This clue demonstrates the elegant simplicity of crossword construction, where the definition and answer share an intrinsic relationship through geographical terminology.
Related Crossword Clues and Connections
- Understanding geographical terminology helps solve various crossword clues related to waterways, including "Channel," "Passage," "Sound," and "Inlet."
- These water-related terms often appear in puzzles with similar letter counts and can share crossing letters with "NARROWS" in complex grid constructions.
Expert Tips for Crossword Solving
- When encountering geographical clues about waterways, consider the specific characteristics being described.
- "Strait" clues typically seek answers that emphasize the narrow, connecting nature of these water features.
- Look for letter patterns that support common geographical terms, and remember that many strait-related answers describe their most distinctive physical characteristic.
- Geography-based crossword clues often reward solvers who understand the relationship between physical features and their descriptive names, making "NARROWS" an excellent example of how geographical knowledge enhances puzzle-solving success.
Strait (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What's the difference between a strait and narrows?
A:While both terms describe narrow waterways, "strait" is the broader geographical classification for any narrow passage between larger water bodies, while "narrows" specifically emphasizes the constricted nature of the passage. Many straits contain sections called "narrows" at their most constricted points.
Q:How wide does a waterway need to be to qualify as a strait?
A:There's no official minimum width requirement for straits, as they can range from less than a mile to over 100 miles wide. The defining characteristic is that they connect two larger bodies of water rather than their specific dimensions.
Q:Why are straits important for crossword puzzles?
A:Straits appear frequently in crosswords because they represent concrete geographical features that can be defined succinctly. The seven-letter word "NARROWS" fits common grid patterns while providing a clear, unambiguous answer to geographical clues.
Q:Do all straits have names?
A:Major straits typically have established names, but smaller passages between water bodies might only be referred to generically as "straits" or "narrows." Geographic naming often depends on historical significance, local usage, or official designation by geographical authorities.
