TODAY'S WORDS, SIMPLY EXPLAINED
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words in today's NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A hairstyle where the sides of the head are shaved, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center.
A Native American people originally from the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
A type of carpet or fabric made from mohair or designed to resemble it.
A cocktail made with whiskey, lime juice, and mint.
The term can refer to a hairstyle, a cultural group, a fabric type, or a drink.
A small, round, sweet baked good, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
A type of quick bread that can be sweet or savory, typically baked in a cup-shaped mold.
Slang term for a person's buttocks.
A term used in computing to describe a type of software bug or glitch.
The term can refer to a food item, slang, or technical jargon depending on context.
Air that is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere, often rising due to lower density.
Empty or exaggerated talk; nonsense or boastful statements.
Heated gas used to fill balloons for flight.
The term can be used literally in scientific contexts or figuratively to describe speech.
A flexible bag that can be inflated with air or gas, often used for decoration or entertainment.
A type of aircraft that floats using heated air or lighter-than-air gas.
To increase rapidly in size or amount.
A comic strip or cartoon speech bubble.
The term can refer to objects, actions, or shapes and is also used in various idiomatic expressions.
A large dance party featuring electronic music and light shows, often held at night.
To speak or write about something with great enthusiasm or admiration.
To talk wildly or incoherently, often due to excitement or anger.
An acronym for Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends, a molecular biology technique.
The term can refer to events, enthusiastic speech, or specific scientific methods depending on context.
The natural movement of air, especially in the form of a current blowing from a particular direction.
To turn or twist something, such as a key or a watch, to make it operate.
To follow a twisting or spiral course, as a path or river.
To cause someone to be out of breath by exertion or shock.
The term can refer to natural phenomena, actions involving twisting, or physical states, and may appear in various contexts including names and expressions.
A brief, light snowfall or a sudden burst of activity.
A quick, intense movement or commotion.
A small cluster or handful of something, like papers or leaves.
A type of frozen dessert topping or mix-in, often from a fast-food chain.
The term can refer to weather, physical activity, food items, or be used metaphorically to describe sudden events.
An educational approach integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to promote interdisciplinary learning.
Water in the form of vapor produced by boiling or heating.
A digital distribution platform for video games developed by Valve Corporation.
A method of cooking food using steam heat.
STEAM can refer to an educational concept, a cooking method, a digital platform, or the gaseous state of water.
A state of matter consisting of particles that have neither a defined shape nor volume and expand to fill their container.
An abbreviation for gasoline, a fuel used in internal combustion engines.
Slang for enthusiasm or excitement, as in 'getting gas' for an event.
An acronym for General Adaptation Syndrome, a stress response model in biology.
The term can refer to scientific concepts, fuel types, slang expressions, or acronyms depending on context.
A small, lightweight boat with a rigid hull and inflatable sides, often used for rescue or recreational purposes.
Abbreviation for 'Rest in Bed' in medical contexts.
Abbreviation for 'Ribosome' in biology.
A bone forming the rib cage in vertebrates.
RIB can refer to a type of boat, anatomical term, or various abbreviations depending on context.
To emit smoke, gas, or vapor, often with a strong smell or irritation.
To feel or show anger or annoyance.
A strong or unpleasant smell or vapor.
To treat a substance with fumes for cleaning or disinfecting.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and may appear in scientific, emotional, or industrial contexts.
Statements or evidence that show a person was not at the scene of a crime when it occurred.
Reasons or excuses given to justify actions or behavior.
In grammar, the plural form of alibi, referring to multiple such statements.
The term is primarily used in legal contexts but can also appear in everyday language as excuses or explanations.
A painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes infected.
To heat a liquid until it reaches its boiling point and turns to vapor.
To become very angry or agitated.
A small, localized swelling or inflammation on the skin.
Can refer to a medical condition, a cooking process, or an emotional state.
To talk long-windedly without making much sense or saying anything important.
Nonsense or foolish talk.
To chatter or babble excessively.
Often used to describe pointless or trivial speech.
A financial arrangement where a third party holds and regulates payment of funds or assets until specified conditions are met.
A legal agreement to keep money or property safe until a transaction is completed.
A neutral holding account used in real estate transactions to protect buyer and seller.
A method to ensure obligations are fulfilled before releasing funds or property.
The term is commonly used in finance, real estate, and legal contexts.
Small pieces of a valuable substance, especially gold, found naturally in rock or soil.
Small, bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken.
Informal term for a small, interesting or valuable piece of information.
Slang for a small lump or chunk of something, such as food or material.
The term can refer to food, natural resources, or informal speech depending on context.