vitrified cinders crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "vitrified cinders" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common and accurate solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your grid effortlessly.
Solutions for "vitrified cinders crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CLINKER: A hard, porous, and usually dark-colored vitreous residue formed by the fusion of mineral impurities in coal or other fuel, especially in a furnace. This is the most direct and common answer for "vitrified cinders."
3 Letters
ASH: The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance. While typically granular, ash can become vitrified (glass-like) under extremely high temperatures, offering a broader, less precise alternative depending on the puzzle's context.
More About "vitrified cinders crossword clue"
The term "vitrified cinders" specifically refers to a byproduct of high-temperature combustion processes, most commonly associated with coal-fired power plants or industrial furnaces. When fuel, particularly coal, is burned, it contains various mineral impurities. Under intense heat, these impurities can melt and then solidify into a hard, glassy, and sometimes porous substance known as clinker. The "vitrified" aspect highlights its glass-like, non-crystalline structure.
Clinker is a significant concern in industrial settings as it can accumulate and impede the efficiency of boilers and furnaces. Its formation is a complex chemical and physical process influenced by the type of fuel, combustion temperature, and furnace design. For crossword solvers, understanding that "vitrified cinders" points directly to "clinker" can unlock many puzzles that feature industrial or geological terms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specificity: Clues like "vitrified cinders" are highly specific. Look for the most precise term first (like CLINKER) before considering broader synonyms.
- Consider Word Lengths: If you have intersecting letters, use the known letter counts to narrow down possibilities. If a 7-letter word fits, prioritize specific terms.
- Think About Context: While "ash" might be related to cinders, "vitrified" adds a crucial descriptor that often points to a more technical term like "clinker." Always consider all parts of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are vitrified cinders?
Vitrified cinders, commonly known as clinker, are the hard, glass-like residues formed when mineral impurities in coal or other fuels melt and then solidify during high-temperature combustion, often in furnaces or kilns. Their "vitrified" nature refers to their glassy, non-crystalline structure.
Why is 'CLINKER' a common crossword answer for this clue?
'CLINKER' is the most precise and widely accepted term for vitrified cinders in an industrial context. It directly refers to the fused, glassy byproduct of high-heat combustion, making it an ideal fit for the clue's specific description.
Can other words like 'SLAG' or 'ASH' also refer to vitrified waste?
While 'SLAG' refers to vitrified industrial waste (often from metallurgy) and 'ASH' is the powdery residue of combustion that can sometimes be vitrified, 'CLINKER' specifically describes the fused cinders from fuel combustion. Crossword clues often seek the most precise term, so 'CLINKER' is usually preferred for "vitrified cinders."