Defrosts NYT Crossword Clue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The answer to the NYT crossword clue “Defrosts” is “thaws”.
Explanation:
In the context of crossword puzzles, clues often rely on definitions, synonyms, and wordplay to lead to the answer. For the clue “Defrosts,” we’re looking for a synonym for the word “defrost,” which means to melt or warm up frozen things.
- Defrost refers to the process of allowing something frozen, like food or liquid, to warm up and return to a non-frozen state. This can happen naturally through time or with the application of heat.
- The verb “thaw” is commonly used as a synonym for “defrost,” as it also refers to the process of something freezing melting or becoming less cold after being exposed to warmer temperatures. In cooking, for example, when you “thaw” frozen meat, you are defrosting it.
Common Use of “Thaw”:
- Thawing Food: “I need to thaw the chicken before I can cook it.”
- Thawing Ice: “The snow will thaw in the spring.”
Word Usage:
“Thaws” is the third-person singular form of the verb “thaw.” In the present tense, it could be used in a sentence like “The sun thaws the ice every morning.” It also fits perfectly in crossword puzzles because it’s a common and straightforward word, which makes it a frequent answer in many clues related to temperature changes or melting.
Crossword Puzzle Mechanics:
In many crossword puzzles, words like “thaws” are a great fit because of their short length, common usage, and precise meaning. When a clue asks for a verb meaning “defrosts,” a solver with knowledge of synonyms and common language structures will quickly deduce that “thaws” is the correct answer.