Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! There are some
crossword clues
that just jump out at you, demanding a second, third, and even fourth glance. You read it, you re-read it, and then you probably wonder if you’ve stumbled into a new dimension of zoology. Well, one such
crossword clue
recently landed on my desk (or rather, my screen), and it’s a true marvel of the animal kingdom wrapped in a delightful linguistic puzzle.
“Small semiaquatic mammal with 22 tentacles on its snout.”
Doesn’t that just paint a picture? Or perhaps, rather, it
begs
for a picture, doesn’t it? This isn’t your everyday badger or beaver. This isn’t even your garden-variety mole, if such a thing exists. This
crossword clue
is a masterclass in specificity, yet it describes a creature so utterly unique, so wonderfully peculiar, that it almost feels like a fantastical beast sprung from the pages of a forgotten myth.
But no, this isn’t fiction. This is pure, unadulterated, biological fact. And it makes for one heck of a challenging
crossword clue
. For those of us who revel in the satisfying ‘aha!’ moment of cracking a tough puzzle, this particular brain-teaser offers a rich vein of discovery. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that sends you down a rabbit hole of natural history, even if you’re usually more at home in a library than a wildlife documentary.
Think about it: a mammal, right? So, warm-blooded, hairy, gives live birth. Semiaquatic – spending significant time both on land and in water. Already, that narrows the field from the vast array of creatures on Earth. But then, the kicker: “22 tentacles on its snout.” Not just a peculiar nose, not just an unusual appendage, but twenty-two distinct, sensitive, fleshy feelers. It’s an anatomical feature so bizarre, so perfectly adapted to its environment, that it instantly etches itself into your memory once you encounter it.
This isn’t just a simple word association. This
crossword clue
is an invitation to explore the wonders of evolution. It speaks to the incredible diversity of life on our planet and the astonishing ways creatures adapt to thrive. When you’re faced with such a precise and intriguing description in a
crossword puzzle
, it’s not just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the sheer ingenuity of nature itself.
The solver facing this particular
crossword clue
is asked to step beyond common knowledge. It requires a recall of the more obscure, the more specialized, perhaps even the more extraordinary inhabitants of our world. It’s a test of both vocabulary and general knowledge, blended into a single, compelling question. The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to simultaneously perplex and educate, sparking curiosity long after the grid is filled.
For many, this might be a clue that stops them dead in their tracks, forcing them to put down their pen and perhaps even turn to the trusty search engine for a hint. But for the true
crossword
aficionado, it’s an exciting opportunity. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you feel genuinely smart when you finally decipher it, not just because you knew the word, but because you recognized the remarkable creature it describes and understood the clever wordplay involved.
So, as we dive into the depths of this fascinating
crossword challenge
, let’s appreciate the artistry of the clue writer who crafted such a vivid and precise description of one of Earth’s most unique mammals. It’s a clue that’s as much about discovery as it is about definition. And for those seeking the satisfaction of an expertly solved
crossword clue
, this one truly delivers. Let’s unearth the mystery behind those peculiar tentacles, shall we?
Available Answers:
STAR-NOSED MOLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0905-25 NY Times Crossword 5 Sep 25, Friday