bristle on a cereal plant crossword clue 3 letters – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "bristle on a cereal plant crossword clue 3 letters" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AWN: A stiff, bristle-like appendage found on the floral parts of some grasses, such as wheat, barley, or oats.
More About "bristle on a cereal plant crossword clue 3 letters"
The term "awn" is a botanical descriptor for a needle-like or bristle-like projection. In the context of cereal plants like wheat, barley, and oats, awns are extensions of the glumes or lemmas (parts of the flower structures) that can be quite prominent. They play various roles for the plant, including possibly aiding in seed dispersal or deterring herbivores.
Crossword constructors frequently use precise botanical terms like "awn" because they are specific, often short, and fit well into grid patterns. Identifying such terms often requires a good general knowledge base or the ability to infer from the context of other solved clues.
For this particular clue, the 3-letter constraint strongly points towards "AWN", making it a common solution in many British and American crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Botanically: Many crossword clues relate to plants and their specific parts. Familiarize yourself with common botanical terms, even obscure ones, as they often appear in puzzles.
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required letter count. It's a crucial constraint that can narrow down possibilities from many to just one, as seen with "AWN" for a 3-letter bristle.
- Consider Common Short Words: There's a set of short, frequently used words that appear repeatedly in crosswords. "AWN" is one of them. Learning these can significantly speed up your solving process.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an awn?
An awn is a bristle-like appendage, particularly found on the kernels of cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. It's a botanical term often used in crosswords.
Why is 'awn' a common crossword answer?
'Awn' is a short, distinct, and specific botanical term, making it an ideal candidate for crossword puzzles, especially when a 3-letter word is required for a plant-related clue.
Are there other short words for parts of cereal plants in crosswords?
While 'AWN' is the most direct 3-letter answer for a bristle, other common short terms related to cereal plants include 'EAR' (for the grain-bearing part) or 'HUSK' (though often longer than 3 letters) which refer to protective coverings.