whalebone crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "whalebone crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with detailed explanations, to help you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "whalebone crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BUSK: A stiffening element, often made from whalebone, used in corsets to provide rigidity and shape.
5 Letters
STAYS: Strips of whalebone or similar material used historically to stiffen corsets and other garments.
6 Letters
BALEEN: The filtering plates found in the mouths of baleen whales, often referred to as "whalebone" historically due to their similar properties and common use.
7 Letters
PLASTIC: Modern synthetic material that replaced whalebone in many applications, particularly for stiffening garments.
More About "whalebone crossword clue"
The term "whalebone" in crosswords can be a fascinating dive into historical materials and biology. Historically, it referred to the flexible, keratinous plates found in the mouths of baleen whales, used for filter feeding. These plates, despite their name, are not true bone but are similar in composition to fingernails.
For centuries, real whalebone was prized for its flexibility, durability, and strength. It found widespread use in everyday items, most notably in corsets, umbrella ribs, buggy whips, and even fishing rods. Its versatility made it a crucial material before the advent of modern plastics and synthetic fibers.
Today, due to conservation efforts and the ban on whaling, true whalebone is no longer commercially harvested or used. When a crossword clue points to "whalebone," it often expects answers related to its biological origin (BALEEN) or its historical applications (STAYS, BUSK), or even modern substitutes (PLASTIC).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider historical context: Many crossword clues, especially those relating to materials like whalebone, often point to their traditional uses. Thinking about the era and how things were made can lead you to the correct answer.
- Look for biological terms: For clues related to animals or natural materials, remember that there might be a scientific or biological term that is also an acceptable answer, like BALEEN for whalebone.
- Think about modern alternatives: Sometimes, a clue about an older material might have a modern counterpart as a valid answer, reflecting how technology has replaced natural resources.
- Pay attention to letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answers with the number of letters required. This is often the most critical hint in a crossword puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is whalebone commonly used for in crosswords?
In crosswords, "whalebone" often refers to the baleen plates of whales or historical uses like stiffening for corsets and umbrellas. Common answers include BALEEN, STAYS, or BUSK.
Is whalebone still used today?
No, due to conservation efforts and the availability of synthetic alternatives, real whalebone is no longer used commercially. Materials like spring steel, plastic, or synthetic fibers have replaced it.
What's the difference between "whalebone" and "baleen"?
Baleen specifically refers to the flexible, fibrous plates found in the mouths of filter-feeding whales, which are commonly known as "whalebone" due to their historical applications. So, baleen is the biological term for what was broadly called whalebone.