One of four awarded to Bill Nye

PATENT

Think of what inventors receive to protect their creations—Bill Nye holds several for things like an improved toe shoe and a digital abacus.

Bill Nye, known as "The Science Guy," holds four patents for inventions like a ballet shoe toe protector and an educational magnifier. The clue hints at one of these legal protections granted to inventors, which is called a "patent." It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay—just a fact about Nye’s work beyond his TV fame.