PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the August 23, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A liquid added to a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point and prevent the engine coolant from freezing in cold temperatures.
A substance used in various industrial processes to prevent freezing of liquids.
A chemical additive in some windshield washer fluids to prevent freezing.
The term is primarily used in automotive contexts but can also refer to similar freezing-preventive substances in other applications.
A space entirely devoid of matter, including air, resulting in very low pressure.
A device that uses suction to clean surfaces by removing dirt and debris.
The act of cleaning a floor or carpet using a vacuum cleaner.
A state of emptiness or isolation, often used metaphorically.
The term can refer to a physical concept, household appliance, or metaphorical state.
A white crystalline powder used mainly in baking as a leavening agent to help dough rise.
A mild alkaline substance used for cleaning and deodorizing.
A remedy for heartburn and acid indigestion when dissolved in water.
The term can also appear as a household product name or ingredient in recipes.
A mountain or hill with a crater or vent through which lava, gas, and ash erupt from the Earth's crust.
A device or structure that simulates volcanic eruptions for educational or entertainment purposes.
A term used metaphorically to describe a sudden, intense outburst of emotion or activity.
A brand name for various products or companies.
The term 'volcano' can refer to a geological feature, metaphorical expression, or brand name.
A sour liquid made by fermenting alcohol, commonly used in cooking and as a condiment.
A metaphor for bitterness or sharpness in personality or tone.
An acidic cleaning agent made from diluted acetic acid.
The term primarily refers to the culinary product but can also be used metaphorically or for cleaning purposes.
A clear distilled alcoholic beverage made primarily from fermented grains or potatoes, known for its neutral flavor.
A brand name for various vodka products.
Slang term for vodka used in casual conversation.
An acronym in some contexts, though uncommon.
Vodka is primarily known as an alcoholic drink but can also appear as a brand name or slang term.
A small container holding materials that can easily catch fire, used to start a fire.
A situation or place that is very tense and likely to erupt into violence or conflict.
An old-fashioned term for a set of tools used to create a spark for lighting fires.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe volatile situations.
A simple electrical battery made by inserting two different metal electrodes into a potato, which acts as an electrolyte to generate a small electric current.
A science experiment demonstrating basic principles of electricity and chemical reactions.
A metaphorical term for a low-power or inefficient energy source.
The term is primarily used in educational contexts and science demonstrations.
The sport or activity of gliding over snow on skis, typically downhill or cross-country.
Traveling or moving on skis as a mode of transportation.
A recreational activity involving skiing on water using skis pulled by a boat (water skiing).
Can refer to various types of skiing including alpine, cross-country, and water skiing.
Potatoes that are peeled or unpeeled, diced or sliced, and pan-fried until crispy, often served as a breakfast side dish.
A casual term for any fried potato dish served at home.
A brand name for a pre-packaged frozen potato product.
Slang for leftover fried potatoes reheated and eaten later.
The term primarily refers to a type of fried potato dish but can also be used informally or as a brand name.
A carbonated water beverage often used as a mixer in alcoholic drinks or consumed on its own.
A type of soda water with added minerals for flavor.
A term used in some regions to refer to sparkling water.
A brand name for a specific bottled carbonated water product.
Club soda can refer to a beverage, a brand, or be used in casual speech to mean sparkling water.
A container or area where gunpowder is stored, often highly explosive and dangerous.
A situation or place that is highly volatile and likely to erupt into conflict or violence.
A metaphor for a tense or unstable condition that could suddenly become dangerous or chaotic.
The term can be used literally for storage of gunpowder or figuratively to describe tense situations.
A chemical compound (H2O2) used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and oxidizer.
A mild antiseptic for cleaning wounds.
A component in some hair bleaching and teeth whitening products.
An environmentally friendly oxidizing agent in certain industrial processes.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in medical, cosmetic, and industrial contexts.
A marketplace, especially in Middle Eastern countries, where goods and services are bought and sold.
A fundraising sale of goods, often for charity.
An event or place where a variety of items are offered for sale, similar to a flea market.
A software repository for collaborative development and version control (Bazaar).
The term can refer to traditional markets, charity sales, or a software tool, depending on context.
A cold soup made from puréed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock, typically served chilled.
A variation of vichyssoise that includes additional vegetables or herbs.
A creamy soup similar to vichyssoise but served warm.
The term is a variant spelling of 'vichyssoise,' a French-origin culinary dish.
A device set to explode after a predetermined period.
A situation or problem that is likely to become dangerous or problematic if not addressed.
A person who is emotionally unstable and may react explosively.
The term can be used literally for explosive devices or figuratively to describe risky situations or volatile individuals.