The aleutian islands, e.g. (11) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ARCHIPELAGO
Understanding the Crossword Clue Structure
- This crossword puzzle clue follows a classic format that puzzle constructors use to test solvers' geographical and vocabulary knowledge.
- The phrase "e.g." (short for the Latin "exempli gratia," meaning "for example") signals that the Aleutian Islands represent just one instance of the answer category.
- The number in parentheses—(11)—indicates that the solution contains eleven letters, which perfectly matches ARCHIPELAGO.
Common Crossword Variations and Related Clues
- Crossword constructors frequently use archipelagos as clue subjects with various phrasings. You might encounter clues like "Island chain," "Group of islands," "The Philippines, for one," or "The Maldives, essentially."
- Understanding that these all point toward ARCHIPELAGO helps solvers recognize the pattern.
- Related geographical terms that appear in crosswords include "atoll" (a ring-shaped coral reef), "islet" (a small island), and "cay" (a low island or reef).
Tips for Solving Geography-Based Crossword Clues
- When approaching geography clues in crosswords, consider the letter count first—it immediately narrows possibilities.
- Look for the "e.g." indicator, which signals that the clue provides an example rather than a direct definition.
- Build your geographical vocabulary by learning terms for landforms, water bodies, and geological features.
- Cross-referencing letters from intersecting answers helps confirm whether ARCHIPELAGO fits both the definition and the available spaces.
The aleutian islands, e.g. (11) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: How many islands make an archipelago?
A: There's no minimum number—an archipelago simply requires multiple islands grouped together, ranging from just a few to thousands.
Q: Are all archipelagos in the ocean?
A: While most archipelagos exist in oceans or seas, some form in large lakes, such as the Thirty Thousand Islands in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
Q: What's the difference between an archipelago and an island chain?
A: These terms are often interchangeable, though "island chain" emphasizes linear arrangement, while "archipelago" can describe any grouping pattern.
Q: Why do crosswords use "e.g." in clues?
A: The abbreviation "e.g." signals that the clue provides an example of the answer category rather than a definition, requiring solvers to identify the broader concept.
Q: What's the largest archipelago in the world?
A: Indonesia holds this distinction, containing approximately 17,508 islands spanning over 3,000 miles across Southeast Asia.