Something Conical in a Chemistry Lab Crossword Clue Answer & Explanation
Something Conical in a Chemistry Lab – Full Crossword Solver Guide
Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Prabhakar A
Stuck on the crossword clue “something conical in a chemistry lab” and need the answer fast? You’re not alone. This science-themed clue has appeared in major puzzles including The New York Times, and while it might seem straightforward to chemistry enthusiasts, the specific terminology can stump even experienced crossword solvers.
In this guide, you’ll discover the exact answer to “something conical in a chemistry lab crossword” (spoiler: it’s typically ERLENMEYER FLASK), learn why this distinctive piece of lab equipment makes perfect crossword material, explore all possible answers based on letter count (from 5-letter FLASK to the full 15-letter ERLENMEYER FLASK), understand the scientific reasoning behind the conical shape, and master strategies for solving similar science-based crossword clues in the future.
Whether you need a quick answer to complete today’s puzzle or want to understand the logic behind these chemistry-themed clues, this comprehensive explanation has you covered.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- The Quick Answer for Something Conical in a Chemistry Lab Crossword: Typically, the answer is ‘ERLENMEYER FLASK,’ with shorter versions like ‘FLASK’ or ‘BEAKER’ also possible, depending on the letter count.
- Why the Answer Is Usually an Erlenmeyer Flask: Its distinctive conical shape with a narrow neck makes it easily recognizable and frequently used as a crossword answer, especially in chemistry-related clues.
- All Possible Answers Based on Letter Count: Short answers include ‘FLASK’ (5) and ‘BEAKER’ (6), while longer answers are ‘ERLENMEYER’ (10) and ‘ERLENMEYER FLASK’ (15), with rare variants like ‘CONICAL TUBE’ or ‘FILTER FUNNEL’.
- Recent Crossword Appearances: Major puzzles like The New York Times often use ‘ERLENMEYER’ or ‘ERLENMEYER FLASK’ for clues about conical lab equipment, especially in larger grids.
- How to Solve Science-Based Crossword Clues: Look for shape-related words, use crossing letters for hints, and focus on field-specific terminology like ‘FLASK’ or ‘BEAKER’ to confidently identify answers.
The Quick Answer for Something Conical in a Chemistry Lab Crossword
The most common crossword answer is: ERLENMEYER FLASK (15 letters), often shortened to FLASK (5), or occasionally BEAKER (6) or ERLENMEYER (10).
Always check the letter and space count in your crossword grid for the best fit.
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Why the Answer Is Usually an Erlenmeyer Flask?
Understanding the Shape
An Erlenmeyer flask is a flat-bottomed laboratory piece with a distinctive conical (cone-shaped) body and narrow neck. This design allows for easy swirling or mixing of contents, reduces the risk of spills, and decreases evaporation, key attributes for titrations, microbial culture, and reactions in chemistry labs. The conical base allows for mixing without splashing, and the narrow neck is designed to hold a stopper or prevent excessive evaporation.
Why Crossword Puzzles Use This Clue?
Crosswords often rely on scientific or lab-themed clues using visual features that are widely recognized. Lab glassware like the Erlenmeyer flask is a classic inclusion due to its unique, memorable silhouette. Constructors prefer clues referencing shape (e.g., “conical”) because it leads to one clear, science-specific answer, making it both fair and satisfying to solvers.
All Possible Answers Based on Letter Count
5–6 Letter Answers
- FLASK (5): The basic, general answer in shorter slots.
- BEAKER (6): While a beaker is more cylindrical, some puzzles may accept it for variety.
10+ Letter Answers
- ERLENMEYER (10): The specific flask name, often used in larger grids.
- ERLENMEYER FLASK (15): The full scientific term.
Rare Variants
- CONICAL TUBE: Refers to a test tube or similar item with conical base, less common in general science crosswords.
- FILTER FUNNEL: Another conical lab tool, mostly accepted in broader science clues rather than those specific to “lab glassware.”
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Recent Crossword Appearances
Something Conical in a Chemistry Lab NYT Crossword
The New York Times crossword and other premier puzzles have used variants like “Something conical in a chemistry lab” or “Conical flask” with the answer ERLENMEYER or ERLENMEYER FLASK. Expect these answers in larger grids or Sunday puzzles with more spaces.
Other Publications
- Wall Street Journal: May use “conical flask” or “lab glassware” for similar answers.
- USA Today, Universal Crosswords: Sometimes use “FLASK,” “BEAKER,” or “ERLENMEYER” depending on grid size and difficulty.
Letter count always determines the correct entry, but “Erlenmeyer flask” is the most precise fit for “something conical in a chemistry lab.”
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How to Solve Science-Based Crossword Clues?
Look for Shape-Related Words
Words like “conical,” “spherical,” or “narrow-necked” nearly always hint at classic lab items. “Conical” is a direct pointer to the Erlenmeyer flask or related glassware.
Use Cross Letters
Check crossing answers for help. For a clue like “something conical,” answers starting with “E,” “F,” or “B” (ERLENMEYER, FLASK, BEAKER) usually indicate a lab item.
Focus on Field Terminology
Crossword constructors use exact scientific language. If the clue references “lab,” “chemistry,” or “scientific container,” expect answers such as FLASK or BEAKER, not vague words like “object” or “tube.”
Similar Crossword Clues You May Encounter
- Chemistry lab container
- Narrow-necked flask
- Lab beaker shape
- Conical tube
- Lab glassware type
These variations all reference the same type of equipment. The specific word to enter will always depend on the number of squares and confirmed letters from other clues.
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Final Answer Summary
For the clue “something conical in a chemistry lab,” the typical answer is ERLENMEYER FLASK. Check your crossword’s letter requirements: use FLASK, BEAKER, ERLENMEYER, or the full answer as needed.
FAQ’s
What is conical in a chemistry lab?
An Erlenmeyer flask is the best-known conical item, with a wide base and narrow neck.
What is the answer to “something conical in a chemistry lab”?
The most common answer is “ERLENMEYER FLASK”, a type of conical laboratory flask widely used for mixing and heating chemicals. Shorter puzzles may use “FLASK” or “ERLENMEYER.”
Why is an Erlenmeyer flask considered conical?
It has a cone-shaped body with a narrow neck, making it ideal for swirling solutions without spilling, this unique shape is why crossword clues often reference it as “conical.”
What other conical items are used in chemistry labs?
Aside from the Erlenmeyer flask, labs also use conical tubes, funnels, and various narrow-necked flasks that share the same shape.
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