NYT Mini Crossword: Moth-repellent wood

Answer

CEDAR

Letters: 5

Appeared: Oct 8, 2025

🌲 Complete Explanation

CEDAR wood contains natural aromatic oils that act as powerful insect repellents, particularly against moths. This makes cedar the traditional choice for closet lining, blanket chests, and storage containers where moth protection is needed.

Scientific Properties

Cedar contains natural compounds including "thujone", "cedrol", and "cedrene". These volatile oils evaporate slowly, creating an aroma that repels moths and other insects while being pleasant to humans. The oils disrupt moth pheromones and deter egg-laying.

Why This Clue Works

This is a classic definition clue testing practical knowledge. Cedar has been used for centuries specifically for its moth-repellent properties, making it the definitive answer for anyone familiar with traditional wood preservation methods.

🤔 Why Other Woods Don't Work

PINE (4 letters)

Pine resin has some insect-repellent properties but is much less effective than cedar for moth protection.

OAK (3 letters)

Durable and attractive, but oak has no natural moth-repellent properties.

TEAK (4 letters)

Excellent outdoor wood due to natural oils, but these target moisture and rot, not moths.

PINEAL (6 letters)

A gland in the brain, not a wood at all - completely unrelated to the clue.

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Uses

Ancient Egypt

Cedar oil was used in Egyptian mummification processes and for building sarcophagi due to its preservative and insect-repellent properties.

Native American Uses

Indigenous peoples used cedar for building, medicine, and spiritual ceremonies, valuing both its durability and aromatic properties.

Victorian Era

Cedar chests became standard wedding gifts, protecting valuable textiles and linens from moth damage during long-term storage.

NYT Mini Crossword: Moth-repellent wood

🌲 Complete Explanation

Scientific Properties

Why This Clue Works

🤔 Why Other Woods Don't Work

PINE (4 letters)

OAK (3 letters)

TEAK (4 letters)

PINEAL (6 letters)

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Uses

Ancient Egypt

Native American Uses

Victorian Era

🏡 Modern Cedar Products

Cedar Closets

Cedar Blocks

Essential Oils

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