This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, February 6, 2026 (41 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 7 squares
First letter
M _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
M _ _ _ _ _ A
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About the answer
MELISSA as a word: A plant of the genus Melissa, especially lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), often used medicinally; A female given name from Ancient Greek, popular in the latter half of the 20th century.
MELISSA has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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