55 Across

NYT Daily • August 20, 2025

Distinctive feature of the durian fruit

Answer:

ODOR

Hint:

Its powerful aroma often divides opinions before you even take a bite.

Explanation:

The durian is famous for its strong, pungent smell, which is so distinctive that it’s often called the "king of fruits" (or banned in some public spaces). The clue points directly to this well-known trait, where "distinctive feature" hints at the fruit’s overpowering odor—the answer. No wordplay here, just a straightforward reference to what makes durian unforgettable (or controversial) to many.

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