CALAMARI
Squid prepared or served as food, especially as a restaurant appetizer or starter.
Other meanings and uses
- The word may also refer generally to edible squid before a particular cooking method is specified.
Definitions of the day · 2026-10-12
Spoiler-Safe Definitions for the October 12, 2026 Connections Board
These entries clarify ordinary meanings and established uses while retaining the board’s original word order.
Open the dated hints and answers →Definitions of the day · 2026-10-12
All 16 words, explained without the answers.
Use this utility to check unfamiliar or flexible vocabulary without seeing categories or having the entries rearranged into answer groups.
MANDARIN
The widely spoken Chinese language variety that includes Standard Chinese.
Other meanings and uses
- A mandarin is also a small, loose-skinned citrus fruit resembling an orange.
- Historically, the noun can denote a high-ranking official in imperial China.
STATE
A politically organized territory governed as one unit, including a constituent part of a federation.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to state something is to express it clearly in speech or writing.
- In science, a state may be a distinct physical form of matter, such as solid or liquid.
ABBREVIATION
A shortened written form used in place of a complete word or phrase.
Other meanings and uses
- The noun can also describe the general act or result of making an expression shorter.
NICKNAME
An informal or familiar name given to a person in addition to a formal name.
Other meanings and uses
- The term can be used for an unofficial descriptive name applied to a place or thing.
- As a verb, to nickname someone is to give that person an informal name.
HANDLE
A part of an object designed to be held so the object can be lifted, opened or controlled.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it can mean to touch, hold or move something with the hands.
- It can also mean to manage a task, problem or area of responsibility.
SHAPE
The external form, outline or configuration of a person, object or area.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to shape something is to form it or influence how it develops.
- The noun may denote a particular geometric figure, such as a circle or triangle.
WEATHER
The atmospheric conditions at a particular place and time, including temperature, wind and precipitation.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, it can describe becoming worn or altered through exposure to outdoor conditions.
- Weather may be used attributively in phrases such as weather report or weather station.
CONDITION
The particular physical quality or circumstances in which a person or thing exists.
Other meanings and uses
- A condition can be a requirement that must be met before an agreement or event can take effect.
- The noun may refer broadly to an illness or other medical problem.
CONTRACTION
The process of becoming smaller, tighter or more compressed, or the resulting reduced state.
Other meanings and uses
- A contraction can be an involuntary tightening of a muscle.
- The term is commonly used for the muscular tightening experienced during labor.
SITUATION
The set of circumstances and events affecting someone or something at a particular time.
Other meanings and uses
- The word can refer to the location or position of a building or place relative to its surroundings.
- In older usage, a situation may mean a job or position of employment.
BEAR
A large, heavy mammal with thick fur, a short tail and powerful limbs.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, bear can mean to carry, support or hold up a weight.
- It can also mean to produce offspring or to yield fruit.
ALKYLAMIDE
A member of a class of chemical compounds containing an alkyl group associated with an amide structure.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural ALKYLAMIDES refers to multiple compounds within this chemical class.
STAND
To be or rise into an upright position, especially with the body supported by the feet.
Other meanings and uses
- A stand can be a structure designed to support, display or hold another object.
- The noun can describe a declared position or firm opinion on an issue.
- It may also mean a small booth or counter from which goods are sold.
ELISION
The omission of a sound, letter or syllable when a word or phrase is pronounced.
Other meanings and uses
- More broadly, the noun can describe an omission or deliberate leaving out of material.
MELAMINE
A nitrogen-rich organic compound used in producing durable resins and related materials.
Other meanings and uses
- The word is also commonly applied to hard resin-based material used for plates, cups and laminated surfaces.