This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (66 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
"Abbr." or "for short" means the answer is itself an abbreviation or a shortened form.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
T _ _
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About the answer
TEL as a word: A label for telephone number; (automotive, aviation, organic chemistry) tetraethyllead (or tetraethyl lead, tetra-ethyl lead); a gasoline additive to boost octane rating.
TEL has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since December 28, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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