crossword clue dowel – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue dowel", you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers for all word lengths, along with explanations to help you understand the context.
Solutions for "crossword clue dowel" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROD: A slender, straight piece of wood or metal, often cylindrical, fitting the description of a dowel.
PIN: A slender, often cylindrical, piece of wood or metal used for fastening, supporting, or inserting, much like a dowel.
PEG: A short, cylindrical piece of wood or other material, typically tapered at one end, used for fastening or as a support, a common synonym for dowel.
4 Letters
STUD: A large-headed piece of metal or a short post used as a support or fastener, sometimes used in a similar context to a dowel, especially in construction.
5 Letters
SHAFT: A long, narrow part forming the body of a tool, weapon, or other object; sometimes used to describe a dowel-like component.
More About "crossword clue dowel"
The term "dowel" in crosswords usually refers to a basic cylindrical piece of material, most often wood. These are fundamental components in carpentry and furniture making, serving purposes like joining, supporting, or aligning pieces. Due to their simple nature and widespread use, dowels are excellent fodder for crossword clues, often prompting solvers to think of synonyms that describe a similar shape or function.
When you encounter 'dowel' in a crossword, think about its core characteristics: it's typically round, straight, and used for connection or support. This can guide you towards answers like 'rod', 'pin', or 'peg'. The context of other words in the clue or the puzzle's theme can sometimes hint at whether the answer is a general term or a more specific application of a dowel.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Length: Always check the number of letters indicated for the answer. For "dowel", answers like ROD, PIN, PEG (3 letters) are common, but longer options like SHAFT (5 letters) or even CYLINDER (8 letters) might appear for more descriptive clues.
- Synonym Association: Think about words that mean "a stick," "a fastener," or "a support." Words like rod, pin, and peg are top contenders because they share the cylindrical, often wooden, nature and function of a dowel.
- Contextual Clues: Look for surrounding words in the clue. If it says "wooden dowel," it might reinforce a specific type of material. If it mentions "joining," it points to its function.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down possibilities. This is particularly effective when you have multiple potential answers of the same length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dowel in general terms?
A dowel is typically a cylindrical rod, usually made of wood, plastic, or metal, often used to join two pieces of material together, to support shelves, or as a pivot point. In woodworking, dowel joints are common for their strength and hidden nature.
How do crossword setters clue 'dowel'?
Crossword setters often clue 'dowel' by its function or physical description. Common clues include 'Pin', 'Rod', 'Peg', 'Cylindrical fastener', 'Wooden pin', 'Joint connector', or 'Furniture part'.
Are there common synonyms for 'dowel' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, several common synonyms for 'dowel' appear frequently. The most popular include ROD, PIN, and PEG. Other less common but related terms can be SHAFT or even STUD depending on the context of the clue and the number of letters required.