41 Across
NYT Daily • September 7, 2025
The “E” of Q.E.D.
Answer:
ERAT
Hint:
This Latin word means "it was" and often appears at the end of mathematical proofs alongside its more famous partner.
Explanation:
Q.E.D. stands for "quod erat demonstrandum," a Latin phrase meaning "which was to be demonstrated," often used at the end of proofs. The clue asks for the "E" in that abbreviation, which corresponds to the first letter of "erat," the second word in the full phrase. So, the answer is "ERAT," simply lifting that word from the Latin expression.