Blue group — USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
Why is “SPECIMEN” in the Blue group?
a sample of a biological organism or tissue, often used for study or examination
Connections Hints for December 9, 2024 #546
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 9, 2024 #546
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2024-12-09. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
Yellow Category — December 9, 2024
Green Category — December 9, 2024
Blue Category — December 9, 2024
Purple Category — December 9, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — USED IN STARTING A FIRE
Why is “MAGNIFYING GLASS” in the Green group?
a tool used to focus sunlight and generate heat, often used for starting fires
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 9, 2024)
Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.
- STAIN
- Definition: a substance used to enhance contrast in biological samples
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a discoloration or blemish
- SPECIMEN
- Definition: a sample of a biological organism or tissue
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to an example or instance of something
- SLIDE
- Definition: a glass plate used to hold a biological sample
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for moving or a presentation
- MAGNIFYING GLASS
- Definition: a tool used to focus sunlight and start a fire
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device used for magnifying objects
Connections #546 explained
Why these words connect (December 9, 2024)
Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.
Yellow group: DELIBERATION
These words all relate to the process of thinking carefully about something, often in a formal or structured way.
Green group: USED IN STARTING A FIRE
These words all describe common methods or tools used to start a fire, often in a survival or outdoor setting.
Blue group: USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
These words all describe tools or devices used in a laboratory setting to examine or study biological samples.
Purple group: WORDS AFTER “X”
These words all follow the letter 'X' in a sequence or series, often used in a specific context or application.
Red herrings and trap words explained
These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.
“STAIN”
Seems like it belongs to: USED IN STARTING A FIRE
Actually belongs to: USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
while a stain can be a discoloration caused by fire, in this context it refers to a substance used in biological samples
“SLIDE”
Seems like it belongs to: WORDS AFTER “X”
Actually belongs to: USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
while a slide can be a device for moving, in this context it refers to a glass plate used to hold biological samples
“MATCHES”
Seems like it belongs to: WORDS AFTER “X”
Actually belongs to: USED IN STARTING A FIRE
while matches can be a term used in games, in this context it refers to a tool used for starting fires
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “STAIN” didn't go with USED IN STARTING A FIRE
Seems like: USED IN STARTING A FIRE → Actually: USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
while a stain can be a discoloration caused by fire, in this context it refers to a substance used in biological samples
Why “SLIDE” didn't go with WORDS AFTER “X”
Seems like: WORDS AFTER “X” → Actually: USED TO VIEW A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE
while a slide can be a device for moving, in this context it refers to a glass plate used to hold biological samples
Why “MATCHES” didn't go with WORDS AFTER “X”
Seems like: WORDS AFTER “X” → Actually: USED IN STARTING A FIRE
while matches can be a term used in games, in this context it refers to a tool used for starting fires