Shaped like a kiwi fruit - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Shaped like a kiwi fruit," is a classic example of a descriptive definition. It asks solvers to connect a common object with its specific geometric term. It's a straightforward clue that rewards general knowledge and a solid crossword vocabulary.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple phrase that points to a visual. The solver's task is to mentally picture a kiwi fruit and then find the correct adjective to describe its form. A kiwi is not perfectly round like an orange (a sphere), nor is it flat like a drawing of an oval. It's a three-dimensional, egg-like shape. The puzzle is looking for the specific word that captures this 3D quality.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Visualization: The most immediate approach is to visualize a kiwi. The shape is clearly similar to that of an egg. If you know the word for "egg-shaped," you're already there.

2. Word Association: Start with the most obvious descriptor: oval. Now, consider how to make that three-dimensional. This might lead you to terms like ellipsoid or, more commonly in crosswords, the answer we're looking for.

3. Root Word Analysis: Many geometric terms have Latin or Greek roots. The shape in question is strongly associated with an egg. The Latin word for egg is ovum. This root is a major giveaway, forming the basis of words like ovary, oval, and the answer itself.

4. Leveraging Crosses: If you're stuck, getting a few crossing letters can be a huge help. Seeing an 'O' at the beginning and a 'D' at the end would strongly suggest the answer for anyone familiar with common crossword vocabulary.

Background Context

The word OVOID comes directly from the Latin ovum ("egg") and the suffix -oides ("-like" or "resembling"). It literally means "egg-like" or "egg-shaped." While often used interchangeably with "oval" in casual conversation, in geometry, an oval is a two-dimensional curve, while an ovoid is a three-dimensional surface.

The kiwi fruit itself, while famously associated with New Zealand, is actually native to mainland China. It was originally called the Chinese gooseberry before being commercially cultivated and rebranded by New Zealand exporters in the mid-20th century. Its distinctive shape makes it a perfect, if less common, alternative to an egg for cluing this particular word.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of a fair, accessible definition. It tests your ability to translate a visual concept into a precise term. By combining visualization with a bit of word association or etymological knowledge, solvers can confidently arrive at the answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about the general geometric shape of common fruits and eggs.
2. Hint 2: The word describes something that is three-dimensionally oval.
3. Hint 3: The term is derived from the Latin word for "egg".
4. Hint 4: It's a synonym for "egg-shaped".

The answer is OVOID.