‘Tube in a lab’ NYT Mini Crossword puzzle clue answer and hints

Labs hold various equipment, so figuring out the NYT Oct. 3 Mini Crossword clue, “Tube in a lab,” was almost impossible. If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry—you’ll find it below.

‘Tube in a lab’ Oct. 3 NYT Mini Crossword clue hints and answer

• Hint 1: It starts with a “V.”
• Hint 2: It contains two vowels.
• Hint 3: It’s a small container.
• Hint 4: It rhymes with trial.

The answer to the “Tube in a lab” clue from the Oct. 3 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is “VIAL.” A vial is typically a small glass container that holds liquids.

All clues and answers in the NYT Oct. 3 Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A What “very” stands for in the mnemonic “My Very Educated Mother…” — VENUS
• 6A Like some mobile game purchases — IN APP
• 7A Come up, as a situation — ARISE
• 8A More than just enjoyed — LOVED
• 9A Hockey goal component — NET

Down

• 1D Tube in a lab — VIAL
• 2D Disgraced energy company with a 2001 bankruptcy — ENRON
• 3D Overly trusting, perhaps — NAIVE
• 4D Underdog’s victory — UPSET
• 5D Went really fast — SPED

‘Tube in a lab’ crossword clue difficulty, rated

When I read this clue, I thought it would be an item with a similar shape to a test tube. However, as I continued to solve the surrounding clues and pieced together the answer, I realized my error. As this clue was pretty tricky and had a few possible answers, I’m giving it a difficulty rating of four out of five.

4 mini puzzles to try today

Mini puzzles are fun, quick, and challenging. So, if you want to play more mini crosswords, try the daily ones released by the LA Times or the Washington Post. But if you enjoy themed-word searches and Scrabble-like games, try Strands or Spelling Bee.