colony crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "colony crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "colony crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ANT: A common insect that lives in a colony.
4 Letters
HIVE: The dwelling place of a bee colony.
5 Letters
SWARM: A large group of insects, often moving in a unified mass, can be a form of temporary colony.
7 Letters
OUTPOST: A remote settlement, often established by a larger entity, functioning as a small colony.
10 Letters
SETTLEMENT: A place where people establish a community, often in a new territory, effectively forming a colony.
More About "colony crossword clue"
The term "colony" is remarkably versatile, making it a favorite for crossword setters looking for clues with multiple possible answers. In biology, a colony refers to a group of organisms of the same species living together, often in a structured and cooperative way. This is why answers like ANT or HIVE are frequently seen, pointing to insect colonies.
Historically and politically, a "colony" denotes a territory under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country. This broader definition allows for answers such as SETTLEMENT or OUTPOST, referring to early human communities established in new lands. Understanding these different contexts is key to discerning the intended answer in your puzzle.
Furthermore, in scientific fields like microbiology, a "colony" can refer to a visible mass of microorganisms growing on a solid culture medium, all derived from a single parent cell. While less common in general crosswords, it highlights the word's diverse applications and the importance of checking surrounding clues for context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the other clues and any themes in the puzzle. If other clues are about insects, then an insect-related "colony" answer is more likely.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Sub-types: Think about all the ways "colony" can be interpreted. Is it a biological group, a historical settlement, or perhaps even a group of artists (an art colony)?
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Fill in any intersecting words first. Even one letter can often confirm or rule out a potential answer for "colony."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy for solving "colony" type clues?
The best strategy is to consider the context of the puzzle and any intersecting letters. 'Colony' can refer to a group of animals (like ants or bees), a human settlement, or even a bacterial culture. Check the clue's source or other words in the puzzle for hints.
Are there different types of "colonies" that appear in crosswords?
Yes, 'colony' is a versatile term. It can refer to an animal collective (e.g., ANTS, BEES, TERMITES), a historical human settlement (e.g., SETTLEMENT, OUTPOST), or even a group of cells or bacteria (e.g., CULTURE, GROWTH) in more niche puzzles. Always consider the potential synonyms for each type.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms or interpretations, leading to various possible answers depending on the nuance the puzzle setter intends. Additionally, different crossword puzzles (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) may allow for different styles of answers, and some general clues can fit several specific examples.