This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, May 15, 2026 (21 Across). 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
C _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
C _ _ _ _ _ S
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About the answer
CLEAVES as a word: (music) A characteristic pattern of beats, especially the 3-2 son clave; Ellipsis of autoclave. [A strong, pressurized, heated vessel, as for laboratory experiments, sterilization, cooking or mineral processing.].
CLEAVES 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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