18 Across

NYT Daily • September 2, 2025

Surgical implant

Answer:

TITANIUM ROD

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

The clue "Surgical implant" points directly to a medical device placed inside the body, and a "titanium rod" is a common example—often used to stabilize broken bones or support spinal structures. The answer is straightforward with no wordplay, as "titanium" refers to the strong, lightweight metal frequently used in implants, and "rod" describes its shape. If you’ve heard of orthopedic surgeries or metal plates in bones, this fits perfectly.

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