neuters crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "neuters crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "neuters crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SPAYS: To remove the ovaries of a female animal, making her unable to reproduce.
GELDS: To castrate a male animal, often used in reference to horses or other livestock.
FIXES: A common colloquial term used to describe the surgical sterilization of a pet, either male or female.
7 Letters
DESEXES: To remove the sexual organs or functions of an animal or person, rendering them sterile.
9 Letters
CASTRATES: To remove the testicles of a male animal, rendering it unable to reproduce.
10 Letters
STERILIZES: To make an animal or person unable to reproduce; a broader term that encompasses both neutering and spaying.
More About "neuters crossword clue"
The clue "neuters" in crosswords typically refers to the surgical procedure that prevents animals from reproducing. This is a common theme in puzzles due to the various synonyms and related terms available. Understanding the slight nuances between words like "spays" (for females) and "castrates" (for males) can be crucial, though often general terms like "fixes" or "desexes" are also accepted as answers.
Crossword constructors love using these terms because they allow for different letter counts and levels of obscurity. For instance, while "spays" and "castrates" are specific, "sterilizes" offers a more general solution, and older or less common terms like "gelds" can sometimes appear, especially in classic or more challenging puzzles. Always consider the length of the required answer to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Word Length: Always start by matching the number of letters in the available spaces to the potential answers. For "neuters," this is critical as answers range from 5 to 11 letters.
- Consider Specificity: If other clues in the puzzle hint at a male or female animal, choose the more specific term (e.g., "spays" for a female, "castrates" for a male). If not, a general term like "fixes" or "desexes" might be the answer.
- Look for Pluralization: The clue "neuters" is plural. Ensure your answer also aligns with the plural form if that's indicated by the grid or other crossing words, though often the singular verb form is expected.
- Use Crossing Letters: The letters you fill in from intersecting words are your best friends. They will quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "neuter" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'neuter' refers to the act of removing the reproductive organs of an animal, or rendering it unable to reproduce. Clues involving 'neuter' often have answers like SPAYS, CASTRATES, GELDS, or FIXES.
Are "spay" and "neuter" interchangeable for crosswords?
While both refer to sterilization, 'spay' specifically applies to females (removal of ovaries), and 'neuter' is a broader term that can apply to both sexes, but is commonly associated with males (castration). In crosswords, depending on the clue's nuance, one might be preferred over the other, or a more general term like 'FIXES' or 'DESEXES' might be the answer.
Why are there so many answers for 'neuters' in crosswords?
The concept of 'neutering' has several synonyms and related actions (spaying, gelding, fixing, desexing, sterilizing), offering constructors a rich vocabulary to draw from. This allows for clues of varying lengths and difficulties, making 'neuters' a versatile clue for different puzzle types.