This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (12 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
N _ _
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About the answer
NOS as a word: (uncountable) Abbreviation of nitrous oxide (“N₂O”). [(inorganic chemistry) A non-flammable gas (N₂O) commonly used in surgery and dentistry for its anaesthe...; (countable) Acronym of nitrous oxide system.
NOS has been an answer 11 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 2, 2025.
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