ermine crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "ermine crossword"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "ermine crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FUR: Refers to the prized white winter coat of the ermine, often used in luxury garments or ceremonial robes.
4 Letters
PELT: The prepared skin of an ermine, valued for its fur, especially the white winter variety.
5 Letters
STOAT: The common name for the animal known as ermine, particularly when it's not in its white winter coat. This is often the most direct and common answer.
6 Letters
WEASEL: A general term for the family of small carnivorous mammals to which ermines belong. An ermine is essentially a type of weasel.
10 Letters
SNOWWEASEL: A descriptive term for the ermine, highlighting its white winter coat and its classification within the weasel family. Less common but highly descriptive.
More About "ermine crossword"
The term "ermine" in crosswords usually points to a small, agile carnivore known for its luxurious white fur. Biologically, an ermine is the same species as a stoat, specifically referring to it when it dons its striking white winter coat. This seasonal transformation is key to understanding many crossword clues, as the animal's name changes with its appearance.
Historically, ermine fur was highly prized and used in the robes of royalty, judges, and other high-ranking officials, symbolizing purity and status. This historical significance often plays a role in how "ermine" is clued, sometimes leading to answers related to its fur or its ceremonial use rather than just the animal itself. Puzzlemakers love to leverage these multiple facets of the word.
When you encounter "ermine" in a crossword, consider its various identities: the animal itself (stoat, weasel), its famous fur (fur, pelt), or even a descriptive term for its winter appearance (snowweasel). Thinking broadly about these associations can unlock the answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Broader Categories: For a clue like "ermine," think beyond the primary definition. Could it be a synonym (stoat)? A broader classification (weasel)? Or perhaps a part of it (fur, pelt)?
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: The number of blank spaces is your biggest hint. If you have five letters, "STOAT" is a strong candidate. If it's four, "PELT" might fit.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might subtly hint at a specific aspect. "Royal adornment" for ermine might point more towards "FUR" or "PELT" than "STOAT."
- Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on "ermine," try solving intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from other words can often reveal the answer you're looking for.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ermine in a crossword context?
In crosswords, an ermine most commonly refers to a stoat, particularly when it has its distinctive white winter coat. Clues might also refer to its valuable fur, or to it as a type of weasel.
Why is 'STOAT' a common answer for ermine?
STOAT is the direct biological name for the animal that is called an ermine when its fur turns white in winter. Therefore, 'stoat' is the most accurate and common synonym for 'ermine' in puzzles.
Can 'FUR' or 'PELT' be correct answers for 'ermine crossword'?
Yes, 'FUR' or 'PELT' can absolutely be correct answers. The ermine is highly renowned for its luxurious white winter fur, which has historically been used in royal and judicial robes. Depending on the nuance of the clue, the material itself can be the answer.