16 Across

NYT Daily ? September 23, 2025

Iliac artery feeder

Answer:

AORTA

Hint:

Think of the body's largest blood vessel that branches off just below the heart, supplying major arteries including those to the legs.

Explanation:

The iliac arteries branch off from a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart down through the abdomen. That vessel is the aorta, which acts as the body’s main "feeder" for the iliac arteries. The clue plays on this anatomical relationship, using "feeder" to hint at the aorta’s role as the source.

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General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints