weir crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the "weir crossword clue." Below, you'll find all possible answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "weir crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAM: A barrier constructed to hold back water, often a low one across a river, serving a similar purpose to a weir.
4 Letters
LOCK: An enclosure with gates built in a canal or river to allow boats to be raised or lowered between different water levels, sometimes incorporating weir-like functions.
6 Letters
SLUICE: A sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water, especially one in a lock gate or a channel, which functions much like a weir.
7 Letters
BARRAGE: An artificial barrier across a river or watercourse to control or divert the flow of water, often interchangeable with the term weir, especially for larger structures.
More About "weir crossword clue"
A "weir" in the context of crosswords almost always refers to a barrier constructed across a river or stream. Its primary purpose is to alter the flow characteristics of the water. This can involve raising the water level upstream, creating a pond, or diverting water into a channel for irrigation, hydropower, or other uses. Because of this specific function, common crossword answers for "weir" often include words like DAM, SLUICE, or BARRAGE, which describe similar or related water control structures.
The clue "weir" can appear in various forms, sometimes directly asking for the structure, or indirectly hinting at its function. Understanding the core concept of a weir as a water barrier is key to unlocking these clues. Crossword setters often rely on the precise yet common nature of such engineering terms to provide a fair challenge while still being solvable through general knowledge and context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: For a clue like "weir," knowing the exact number of letters needed can quickly narrow down options between shorter answers like DAM and longer ones like BARRAGE.
- Consider Synonyms and Functions: Think about what a weir does (holds back water, controls flow) and what other words describe similar actions or structures (barrier, gate, dam, lock).
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm which answer fits best. For example, if you have "_A_," DAM might be a strong candidate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of a weir?
The primary function of a weir is to alter the flow characteristics of a river or stream. This can include raising the water level upstream, diverting water for irrigation or power generation, or measuring water flow. In crosswords, it generally points to a water-controlling barrier.
Why does 'weir' often appear in crosswords?
'Weir' is a popular crossword clue because it has several synonyms of varying lengths (like DAM, SLUICE, BARRAGE, LOCK), allowing setters flexibility. It's also a relatively common word with a specific, identifiable meaning related to water management.
Can 'weir' have a different meaning in crosswords?
While 'weir' primarily refers to a water barrier, in some cryptic or more obscure crosswords, it might be clued phonetically (e.g., 'where' sounds like 'weir') or refer to a surname. However, for general knowledge crosswords, the water-related meaning is almost always intended.