Quick Answer
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Crossword clue: “Geological time period spanning several ages”
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Answer: EPOCH – 5 letters
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Clue number and direction: 8 Across
The New York Times Mini crossword clue “Geological time period spanning several ages” is answered with EPOCH in 5 letters.
Why EPOCH Is the Right NYT Answer
- In geology, an epoch is a formal time unit that can contain several smaller ages within it, so it literally matches “time period spanning several ages.” The clue’s wording points to a technical geologic term rather than a casual word like “era.”
- Answer lists for the February 11, 2026 NYT Mini specifically give EPOCH as the solution for this clue. Since the entry is five letters long, EPOCH fits the slot exactly and lines up with all crossing answers in the grid.
What EPOCH Means
In plain English, an epoch is a significant period in history or in someone’s life, often marked by notable events or changes. In geology, it’s a subdivision of geological time that can be broken down further into ages.
So the clue is really pointing to that geologic meaning: a chunk of time that contains several smaller ages, which is why EPOCH is such a clean match.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
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When you see “geological time period,” think of EON, ERA, and EPOCH, and use letter count to decide which fits.
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Phrases like “spanning several ages” or “long span of geologic time” often signal EPOCH or EON rather than the shorter ERA.
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Use crossings: once you see something like E_O_H, EPOCH becomes the obvious fill.
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Remember that NYT Minis like to use EPOCH as a slightly more technical but still very common vocabulary entry.
How EPOCH Fits the Grid
For 8‑Across on February 11, 2026, the Mini provides a five‑letter slot, which matches EPOCH perfectly. In pattern form, it appears as:
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Pattern in grid:
EPOCH(E‑P‑O‑C‑H)
Each letter is supported by intersecting Downs, so once those are in place, there’s no ambiguity that EPOCH is the intended answer.
Other Ways EPOCH Might Be Clued
EPOCH shows up in many crosswords with clues like:
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“Historical period”
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“Significant stretch of time”
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“Geological division longer than an age”
All of these rely on the idea of an epoch as a major time block, either geologic or historical.
Complete February 11, 2026 NYT Mini Answers Today (Across & Down clues and answers)
Here are the key answers from the February 11, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Flying ___ (kind of bat, despite its name) | FOX | 3 |
| Furniture retailer known for its sprawling stores | IKEA | 4 |
| Drug cops, informally | NARCS | 5 |
| Geological time period spanning several ages | EPOCH | 5 |
| Like F, in the alphabet | SIXTH | 5 |
Down
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Penalties for parking violations | FINES | 5 |
| African mammal whose striped legs resemble a zebra's | OKAPI | 5 |
| Make a copy of | XEROX | 5 |
| Bank customer's holding: Abbr. | ACCT | 4 |
| “Quiet, you!” | SHH | 3 |
