9 Across
NYT Daily • August 29, 2025
Bug spray ingredient
Answer:
DEET
Hint:
Not available
Explanation:
The clue "Bug spray ingredient" points to DEET, the common shorthand for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, a chemical widely used in insect repellents. It’s a straightforward definition with no wordplay—just a direct reference to what you’d find on the back of a can of mosquito spray. If you’ve ever shopped for outdoor gear or dealt with summer pests, DEET is the go-to name for keeping bugs away.