mole crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "mole crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "mole crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SPY: A common answer for 'mole' referring to a secret agent.
MOL: The chemical unit of measurement, often abbreviated as 'mol' in puzzles.
4 Letters
VOLE: A small rodent, often confused with or used as an alternative for a 'mole'.
MARK: A spot on the skin, which is another common meaning of 'mole'.
5 Letters
SHREW: A small, mole-like mammal, distinct from a mole but similar enough for crosswords.
NEVUS: The medical term for a mole, specifically a benign skin growth.
JETTY: A structure extending into the water, a less common but valid meaning for 'mole' as a breakwater.
7 Letters
TRAITOR: A person who betrays, synonymous with a 'mole' in espionage context.
8 Letters
INFORMER: Someone who secretly provides information, aligning with the 'spy' or 'mole' meaning.
More About "mole crossword clue"
The clue "mole" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that crossword constructors love to exploit. This single word can lead you down paths of zoology, espionage, dermatology, and even chemistry. Understanding these diverse interpretations is key to successfully solving puzzles featuring this clue.
Often, the surrounding clues and the number of letters required will give you the biggest hint. For example, if it's a 3-letter word and you have a science-themed puzzle, 'MOL' is a strong contender. If it's 7 letters and the puzzle has a crime or spy theme, 'TRAITOR' might be the answer. Always consider the context of the puzzle as a whole.
The beauty of such clues lies in their ability to make you think laterally. Don't get fixated on just one meaning. By exploring all possibilities, from the burrowing creature to the skin spot or the secret agent, you increase your chances of cracking the puzzle and expanding your vocabulary.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all homographs and synonyms: As with "mole," many words have multiple meanings that could fit. Always brainstorm different contexts for the clue.
- Check intersecting letters: The most fundamental rule. Even if you're confident in an answer, verify that its letters align with crossing words.
- Pay attention to word length: This is your strongest tool. It immediately narrows down the possibilities, helping you eliminate answers that don't fit the grid.
- Identify the puzzle's theme: Some crosswords have a theme that might favor one meaning of "mole" over another (e.g., a nature puzzle versus a spy thriller theme).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'mole' in crosswords?
The word 'mole' is notoriously tricky in crosswords because it has many diverse meanings. Common interpretations include the small burrowing animal, a secret agent or spy (human 'mole'), a spot on the skin, a chemical unit (mol), and sometimes even a breakwater or pier (a less common, older usage).
How does the letter count help with 'mole' clues?
The letter count is crucial for 'mole' clues. For instance, 'SPY' (3 letters) and 'MOL' (3 letters) are common short answers. 'VOLE' (4 letters) or 'MARK' (4 letters) fit slightly longer slots. If you have 7 letters, 'TRAITOR' becomes a strong possibility. Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm the correct meaning based on the available letters.
Are there scientific or technical answers for 'mole'?
Yes, 'MOL' (3 letters) is a very common scientific answer for 'mole,' referring to the SI unit of amount of substance in chemistry. Puzzles can also delve into biological terms like 'NEVUS' (5 letters) for a skin mole, or 'VOLE' (4 letters) for a similar rodent, especially in more technical or themed crosswords.