“Mollusc (5)” – a seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
that can often become a delightful brain-teaser for even the most seasoned solvers. These types of
crossword clues
, rooted in general knowledge or specific scientific categories, are a staple of
crossword puzzles
everywhere, challenging us to recall precise vocabulary within strict letter constraints.
So, what exactly is a mollusc? For those brushing up on their biology, molluscs belong to the phylum Mollusca, comprising a vast group of invertebrates. They are typically characterized by a soft, unsegmented body, and often possess an external shell (though not always!). This diverse family includes everything from the slow-moving garden snail to the intelligent octopus, from the filter-feeding oyster to the burrowing clam. The challenge of a
crossword clue
like this is pinpointing the
exact
five-letter term that the puzzle setter had in mind.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
such as “Mollusc (5),” the immediate and most crucial piece of information is the letter count: five. This single number acts as a powerful filter, instantly eliminating numerous possibilities that spring to mind. “Octopus” is too long; “snail” doesn’t quite fit the pattern, nor does “clam” if we’re strictly counting letters. The five-letter limit forces you to dig deeper into your vocabulary and consider less obvious, or perhaps more specific, terms that describe a member of this phylum.
Here are a few strategies to tackle this kind of
crossword clue
:
1.
Brainstorm Common Examples:
Start by listing all the molluscs you can think of. Then, go through that list and see which ones, or common names associated with them, happen to be five letters long. This often involves a bit of trial and error.
2.
Consider Subcategories:
While the
crossword clue
simply says “Mollusc,” sometimes the answer might refer to a specific type – a gastropod, a bivalve, or a cephalopod. Could there be a five-letter word for one of these classifications, or a representative animal within them?
Crossword puzzles
love to test the breadth of your knowledge.
3.
Vocabulary Focus:
This is where
crossword puzzles
truly excel at expanding your lexicon. A definition
crossword clue
like “Mollusc (5)” might prompt you to consider scientific terms that have entered everyday usage, or perhaps alternative common names for these creatures. Don’t be afraid to think outside the immediate, most common examples.
4.
Leverage Intersecting Letters:
Remember, no
crossword clue
lives in isolation. If you’ve solved adjacent entries, the letters that cross your “Mollusc (5)” slot are invaluable. If you have the second letter, for instance, it can dramatically reduce your options, guiding you towards the correct solution. This cross-referencing is a cornerstone of daily crossword solving.
5.
Think Synonyms or Related Concepts:
While it’s a direct definition clue, sometimes the
crossword clue
might use a less common synonym for the concept. For “Mollusc (5),” it’s likely a direct example, but it’s always good practice to keep an open mind when solving a challenging
crossword puzzle
.
This particular “Mollusc (5)“
crossword clue
exemplifies how
crossword puzzles
blend general knowledge with linguistic precision. It’s a test of both your biological awareness and your vocabulary. Whether you’re tackling a quick daily crossword or a more intricate cryptic crossword clue, the process of elimination and thoughtful consideration of possibilities is key.
Don’t get discouraged if the answer doesn’t immediately spring to mind. That’s the beauty and the challenge of
crossword puzzles
. Take a break, work on other clues, and often, the correct solution will reveal itself with a fresh perspective. The satisfaction of cracking a well-crafted
crossword clue
like this is precisely what keeps us all hooked on the rewarding pastime of crossword solving. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
WHELK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 17 November 2025