What is a 'set of nine' in music?

In music, a 'set of nine' is typically referred to as a NONET. This can mean a musical composition written for nine instruments or voices, or the ensemble of nine musicians themselves.

Where does the word 'ennead' come from?

The word 'ennead' comes from the Ancient Greek 'enneas' (ἐννεάς), meaning 'the number nine' or 'a group of nine'. It's famously associated with the philosophical works of Plotinus, which were organized into nine books.

How can I easily identify answers like 'set of nine' in crosswords?

For clues like 'set of nine' that refer to numerical groups, think of Latin or Greek prefixes (e.g., 'non-' for nine, 'ennea-' for nine). Also consider contexts like music (nonet), philosophy (ennead), or general terms for groups (e.g., trio, quartet, septet).

set of nine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "set of nine", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.

Solutions for "set of nine crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

NONET: A group of nine musicians or singers, or a musical composition for such a group. This is a common answer for "set of nine," especially in musical contexts.

6 Letters

ENNEAD: A group or set of nine things. This term often appears in historical or philosophical contexts, such as the philosophical works of Plotinus.

More About "set of nine crossword clue"

The clue "set of nine" is a classic example of a crossword clue that points to a specific numerical grouping. Such clues often draw on terms derived from Latin or Greek numerical prefixes. In this case, "nonet" comes from the Latin "novem" (nine), while "ennead" originates from the Greek "ennea" (nine).

Understanding these linguistic roots can be highly beneficial in solving similar clues. Crosswords frequently test your knowledge of such specialized vocabulary, especially in fields like music, philosophy, or general collective nouns. Recognising these patterns helps you anticipate the type of answer required, even if the exact word isn't immediately apparent.

While "nonet" is most commonly associated with music, referring to a group of nine performers or a piece composed for them, "ennead" has a broader, more academic application, signifying any collection of nine items, famously linked to the philosophical treatises of Plotinus.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Think Numerically: For clues involving specific numbers (like "set of nine"), always consider words with numerical prefixes (e.g., uni-, bi-, tri-, quad-, non-, ennea-).
Context is Key: Pay attention to any subtle hints in the clue that might point to a specific domain (e.g., "musical set of nine" would strongly suggest NONET).
Consider Alternative Meanings: Some numerical terms have multiple contexts. For instance, a "set of nine" could be a musical group (nonet) or a philosophical grouping (ennead). Keep both in mind!

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a "nonet" and an "ennead"?

While both refer to a set of nine, "nonet" is almost exclusively used in a musical context to describe a group of nine musicians or a composition for them. "Ennead" is a more general term for any group of nine, often found in philosophical or historical discussions.

Are there other common "set of X" clues in crosswords?

Absolutely! Crosswords frequently feature clues for groups of various sizes, such as "set of three" (TRIO, TRILOGY), "set of four" (QUARTET), "set of eight" (OCTET), and so on. Learning these common terms can greatly speed up your puzzle-solving.

How can knowing Greek/Latin roots help with crossword puzzles?

Many crossword clues rely on knowledge of etymology, especially numerical prefixes and roots from Greek and Latin. Words like "nonet," "ennead," "biped," "triangle," and "octagonal" all derive their meaning from these ancient languages, providing a strong hint to their definitions and common crossword usage.