Vessel that infuses and pours - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Vessel that infuses and pours," is a great example of a descriptive clue that points to a functional, compound-word answer. It's a straightforward definition, but for an object that might not have a universally known name. Let's break down how to arrive at the solution.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be dissected into three core components:

• "Vessel": This is our starting point, telling us we're looking for some kind of container. Words like pot, jar, pitcher, or carafe might come to mind.
• "that infuses": This is the most specific part of the clue. The verb to infuse means to steep a substance (like tea leaves, herbs, or fruit) in a liquid to extract its flavor. This immediately brings tea to the forefront of our minds.
• "and pours": This confirms the vessel is designed for serving. It must have a handle and a spout, which narrows our options to things like a pot or a pitcher.

The clue describes a single object that performs both actions: brewing (infusing) and serving (pouring).

Thinking Approaches

A solver can approach this clue systematically:

1. Focus on the Verbs: The actions "infuses" and "pours" are the keys. What infuses? Tea. What pours? A pitcher or a pot.
2. Word Association:
   • Infuse -> TEA, HERBS, STEEP, BREW
   • Pour -> PITCHER, POT, CARAFE, SPOUT
3. Combine the Concepts: The most common item that infuses and pours is a teapot. However, a teapot is usually for hot tea and might not fit the letter count. What's another common pouring vessel, especially for larger quantities or cold drinks? A pitcher.
4. Create a Compound: Now, let's try to combine these ideas. We have "tea" from "infuses" and "pitcher" from "pours." Putting them together gives us a plausible compound word that perfectly matches the clue's description: an object for making and serving tea.
5. Use the Crossings: Since the answer is a somewhat specific compound word, confirming it with crossing letters is essential. If you had a few letters, like T_A_I_C_E_, you could quickly see how the parts fit together.

Background Context

While a "teapot" is a classic vessel for infusing and pouring, the term described by the clue often refers to a more modern piece of kitchenware. A tea pitcher is typically a larger vessel, often made of glass or plastic, with a built-in infuser basket. This design is especially popular for making iced tea, where tea bags or loose-leaf tea are steeped directly in the pitcher, which is then filled with cold water and ice before serving. It streamlines the process by eliminating the need to brew hot tea in a separate pot and then cool it down.

Conclusion

This clue is a well-crafted, literal description of a functional object. The solution hinges on breaking the clue into its distinct parts ("infuses" and "pours"), identifying the concepts associated with each (tea and a pitcher), and combining them into a logical compound word. It's a satisfying solve that rewards methodical thinking.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about a common beverage often served hot or cold.
2. Hint 2: This object is a kitchen item used for serving drinks.
3. Hint 3: It combines the function of brewing with the function of serving.
4. Hint 4: It's a hybrid item, often used for making iced tea.

The answer is TEAPITCHER.