Pond Scum Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: Apr 25, 2025

Trying to figure out the "Pond scum" crossword clue from the Apr 25, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've got you covered with the exact 5-letter answer you're seeking. If you'd like a more interactive way to solve the puzzle, we've created several helpful features for you. Use our step-by-step letter reveal tool to uncover the solution gradually, or check out our custom-designed hints—including helpful word rearrangements, related clues with matching answers, or detailed explanations to guide your thinking. We've also made it easy to move between related clues from the same puzzle for a seamless solving experience. Ready to discover what grows on the surface of still waters? Let's explore the answer!

Crossword Answer:

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About This Clue

The April 25, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Pond scum" with the answer ALGAE. This clue refers to the green, slimy growth that commonly appears on the surface of stagnant or slow-moving water bodies like ponds. While "scum" has negative connotations, it accurately describes how algae can form a film or layer on water surfaces. Algae are simple photosynthetic organisms that thrive in aquatic environments, especially when there are abundant nutrients. This biological reference is a common crossword clue, testing solvers' knowledge of basic environmental and biological terms.

Biological Context

Algae represent a diverse group of mostly aquatic organisms that conduct photosynthesis but lack the formal structures of land plants like roots, stems, and leaves. They range from microscopic single-celled forms to large seaweeds that can grow to be over 100 feet long. In pond environments, algae typically appear as green or bluish-green growths floating on the water surface or attached to submerged objects.

While often considered unsightly or a nuisance in garden ponds and swimming pools (hence the somewhat derogatory term "pond scum"), algae play crucial ecological roles. They produce approximately half of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis and form the base of many aquatic food webs. However, excessive algal growth—known as algal blooms—can indicate environmental imbalances like nutrient pollution from fertilizers, leading to reduced oxygen levels and harm to other aquatic life. This ecological significance makes "ALGAE" a particularly fitting answer to the "Pond scum" clue, capturing both its common perception and its environmental importance.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When solving nature-related clues like "Pond scum" in the NYT Mini Crossword, consider both scientific terms and common descriptive phrases. In this case, the clue uses a colloquial term ("scum") to hint at the scientific answer (ALGAE). The Mini Crossword often employs this type of wordplay, using everyday language to lead to more specific terminology. For environmental clues, think about common natural features and organisms that might fit the required letter count. The slightly negative connotation of "scum" narrows down the possibilities from other pond-related words like "water" or "lilies" to something perceived as less desirable. Remember that the Mini typically features answers that are widely known rather than highly specialized scientific terminology, making ALGAE an appropriately accessible answer.

Related Crossword Answers

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (April 25, 2025)

ACROSS

• 1. "Beware the ___ of March"
• 5. Sends a message
• 7. Pond scum
• 8. Teeny-tiny bit
• 9. Doctor who might more aptly be called a "dogtor"

DOWN

• 1. "Don't call ___ comeback!"
• 2. Supermarket section
• 3. Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short
• 4. 5-Across or 8-Across, if you change the T's in this answer
• 6. Musical chairs need