DNA sample source

Latest answer — September 01, 2026

45 Down

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Clue explained

Saliva is a readily collected source of DNA, which is why it is used in home genetic tests and forensic sampling. The clue asks for the bodily substance itself.

Clue type:
Example
A saliva collection tube used for DNA testing.

WaPo Crossword

This clue's Tuesday, September 01, 2026 appearance

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The answer to DNA sample source in the The Washington Post crossword is SALIVA — a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on September 1, 2026, a Tuesday puzzle, at 45-Down. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

DNA sample source” answer

SALIVA (6 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is SALIVA.

What does SALIVA mean?

Reading the plain dictionary sense of SALIVA is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.

(noun)

  • watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing, and aiding digestion

When else has “DNA sample source” appeared?

The Washington Post reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

September 1, 2026 (most recent) SALIVA. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “DNA sample source”?

The answer is SALIVA, a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on September 1, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “DNA sample source”?

6 letters: SALIVA.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the The Washington Post crossword on September 1, 2026 (a Tuesday puzzle), at 45-Down.

Can “DNA sample source” have a different answer?

Yes — The Washington Post sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's WaPo Crossword answers?

The full grid for September 1, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

The Washington Post Crossword is published by The Washington Post; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.

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