28 Across

NYT Daily • August 20, 2025

Square root

Answer:

RADICAL

Hint:

Think of the mathematical symbol that often looks like a stretched checkmark before a number.

Explanation:

The clue "Square root" hints at the mathematical symbol for roots, which is the radical sign (√). In math terms, a "radical" refers to the root of a number, so the answer plays on that direct meaning. It’s a straightforward definition where the word itself names the symbol used in equations. No tricks—just a clean link between the term and its mathematical identity.

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