Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a particularly clever
crossword clue
, is there? Today, we’re diving into one that might seem straightforward at first glance, but often requires that delightful dance between literal meaning and lateral thinking that makes the daily
crossword puzzle
such an engaging brain teaser.
The clue we’re scrutinizing today is:
“High-temperature disease (5)“
.
At just five letters, this
crossword clue
presents an interesting challenge. It’s concise, yet packed with information. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, the first step is always to break it down. We have two core components: “High-temperature” and “disease,” along with the crucial five-letter constraint.
Let’s consider “high-temperature.” What does this immediately bring to mind in a medical context? Our minds might jump to states of elevated warmth, conditions where the body’s thermostat is running a little high. It’s not just about feeling warm; it implies a notable deviation from the norm. This descriptor is often a key indicator in many health-related
crossword clues
.
Next, we have “disease.” This tells us we’re looking for a specific ailment, a medical condition, or perhaps even a symptom that is significant enough to be classified as a distinct ‘disease’ in common parlance. It needs to be something identifiable and well-known, not an obscure medical term, especially for a shorter
crossword clue
like this. The beauty of general knowledge
crossword clues
is that they often rely on words universally understood.
Now, let’s put “high-temperature” and “disease” together, keeping that five-letter limit firmly in mind. We’re searching for a single, common word that encapsulates both ideas. What five-letter words come to mind that signify a condition characterized by an elevated body temperature? Think about the most common terms people use when describing someone who is unwell and feeling unusually hot. It’s a word that’s deeply ingrained in our vocabulary, frequently discussed, and immediately understood by almost everyone.
When tackling such a
crossword clue
, it’s helpful to consider synonyms or closely related concepts for each part. For “high-temperature,” you might brainstorm words like heat, warmth, ardour, or even specific medical terms. For “disease,” words like illness, sickness, ailment, or malady might pop up. The trick is to find the intersection where one word elegantly serves both definitions and fits the letter count.
This particular
crossword clue
is a prime example of a straightforward definition clue, but its elegance lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on complex wordplay, anagrams, or cryptic misdirection. Instead, it asks for a direct, precise answer from your general knowledge base. This type of
crossword clue
is a staple in puzzles of all difficulty levels, from the casual daily crossword to the more challenging weekend grids.
When you’re stuck on a
crossword clue
like this, don’t forget the power of intersecting letters. If you have a few letters already filled in from crossing words, they can often be the lightbulb moment that reveals the solution. Imagine the satisfaction when those three letters suddenly make the complete word undeniable! That’s the magic of strategic
puzzle solving
.
So, take a moment. Ponder that five-letter void. What common word, a cornerstone of our language, perfectly describes a ‘disease’ characterized by a ‘high-temperature’? It’s a word you’ve heard countless times, perhaps even experienced yourself. The answer, when it clicks, will feel both obvious and incredibly satisfying. Happy solving, and keep those brain cells buzzing!![]()
Available Answers:
FEVER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025