October Challenge: A Mountain of Meanings

Welcome to this month’s crossword, constructed by George Barany, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and Michael Hanko, a musician and teacher based in New York City. They are grateful to Irene Cesa for test solving and editorial suggestions. The team at C&EN hopes that, as you solve this puzzle, you will appreciate how the language of our field permeates the world at large. Reflections on this theme are encouraged particularly between the hours of 6:02 a.m. and 6:02 p.m. on Oct. 23.