Old number? Crossword Clue

A warm welcome to all crossword lovers!
Its time to solve "Old number?" crossword clue for today's "Daily American" daily crossword.

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue "Old number?" leads us to think beyond traditional numerical values and consider alternative meanings. In this context, the word "number" can refer to a song or melody, especially in old-fashioned language. However, in the realm of crossword puzzles, a common trick is to use words with multiple meanings to mislead solvers. In this case, the answer "ETHER" fits perfectly. Let's delve deeper into why this seemingly unrelated word is the correct solution:

• Chemical Element: Ether is a volatile liquid compound with various uses in chemistry and medicine. Its presence in the clue adds a layer of complexity, requiring solvers to connect the dots between old and chemical contexts.
• Literary Connotation: Beyond its chemical significance, "ether" has been used in literature to denote the upper regions of space or the heavens. This older usage aligns with the idea of an "old number," hinting at a celestial or antiquated reference.
• Historical Significance: Ether also holds historical importance as an anesthetic agent, commonly known as "ether anesthesia." This historical context reinforces the link to something old, as the use of ether in medicine dates back to the 19th century.

Considering these aspects, the answer "ETHER" for the clue "Old number?" showcases the intricate and nuanced nature of crossword puzzles, where words can carry multiple meanings and associations that challenge solvers to think creatively and expansively.

Definition of "ETHER"

a pleasant-smelling colourless volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anaesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes.

Example :

methyl t-butyl ether

nasty gases and smoke disperse into the ether

choral evensong still wafts across the ether

 The Crossword clue "Old number?" published 29 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
Daily American	14 March 2025	ETHER
L.A. Times Daily	27 July 2019	ETHER
Universal	23 August 2018	ETHER
Eugene Sheffer – King Feature Syndicate	14 December 2012	ETHER
Thinks.com	19 August 2010	ETHER
L.A. Times Sunday	5 February 2006	ETHER
Newsday.com	5 January 2006	ETHER
Wall Street Journal	12 March 2004	ETHER