This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, October 16, 2026 (52 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
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.
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