aardvark crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and came across the clue "aardvark", you're in the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack that stubborn crossword.
Solutions for "aardvark crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DIGGER: Refers to its strong claws and habit of digging burrows for shelter and food.
8 Letters
ANTEATER: A nocturnal, medium-sized, burrowing mammal native to Africa, often confused with the anteater, but distinct.
BURROWER: Another term highlighting its primary activity of digging into the earth.
11 Letters
ORICTEROPUS: The scientific genus name for the aardvark, literally meaning 'digging foot'.
More About "aardvark crossword clue"
The aardvark, often a quirky and memorable presence in crosswords, is a fascinating creature. Native to Africa, this nocturnal mammal is the sole surviving species of its order, Tubulidentata. Its name, "aardvark," means "earth pig" in Afrikaans, a fitting description given its pig-like snout and powerful digging abilities. These abilities are crucial for its diet, which primarily consists of ants and termites, earning it a reputation as an "anteater," despite not being closely related to the true anteaters of the Americas.
Crossword setters often use "aardvark" not just for its direct synonyms but also for clues related to its characteristics. Its distinctive features, such as its long ears, powerful claws, and unique teeth (which lack enamel and grow continuously), provide ample inspiration for indirect clues. The animal's solitary nature and nocturnal habits also occasionally lend themselves to more obscure crossword challenges.
Understanding the various facets of the aardvark – from its name origin to its behaviour and biological classification – can greatly assist in solving "aardvark crossword clue" puzzles, whether the answer is a direct synonym or a more descriptive term related to its life in the African landscape.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps eliminate answers that are too long or too short.
- Consider Synonyms and Descriptions: For clues like "aardvark," think beyond direct synonyms. Is the clue hinting at a characteristic (like "digger" or "burrower"), a scientific name, or even a less common colloquial term?
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is often the most reliable way to verify a tricky solution.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: Some clues might be wordplay based. "Aardvark" doesn't lend itself easily to puns, but always be mindful of clues that sound like another word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aardvark?
An aardvark is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. It is the only surviving species of its order, Tubulidentata. They are known for their powerful claws, long snouts, and specialized diet of ants and termites.
Why is "aardvark" a common crossword clue?
"Aardvark" is a common crossword clue due to its unique spelling (starting with "aa"), its distinct characteristics (burrowing, diet of ants/termies), and its common synonyms like "anteater" (though biologically distinct).
Are aardvarks related to anteaters?
While both eat ants and termites, aardvarks are not closely related to the true anteaters found in the Americas. They belong to a different order, Tubulidentata, making them unique in the mammal kingdom.