17 Down

NYT Daily • August 31, 2025

Degree in math?

Answer:

NTH

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

This clue plays on the double meaning of "degree." In math, "nth" refers to an unspecified ordinal number (like 2nd, 3rd, etc.), so "nth degree" is a real term. But it also sounds like a pun on a college degree—imagine someone asking, "What kind of degree is that?" and the answer being a cheeky "nth." The humor comes from treating "nth" as if it’s an actual academic qualification.

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