Times Concise

[mra1]

Does anyone know a charged atom or molecule with 4 letters viz ?I?S

[dannyk13]

Ions

[JJ109]

Ions if plural
Pion if singular

[mra1]

I thought that but the clue is singular ie atom/molecule - whereas ION(S) are plural. Do you think it is a compilers error or can ion be iONS?

[JJ109]

What gives you the S, please mra1 ?

[mra1]

The S comes for Language of Burns scotS and the second leter micrObe (tiny organism)

[Mamyalynne]

So your pattern is now

?O?S

Is that right

[mra1]

Yes. The clue is definitely in the singular - had it been plural there would have been no problem Mamyalynne ie IONS

[dannyk13]

The clue can be read as a charged atom or molecule are both ions IMO

[mra1]

Sorry if I am being thick but should the clue not read charged atomS or moleculeS to have a final S?

[Lie-in King]

Having had a quick look at the puzzle, the answer is surely 'Ions' as 'O' & 'S' look correct - you've given the wrong pattern in the Q, mra...

The clue "Charged atom or molecule" does read badly however.

[Mamyalynne]

Poor clue agreed.

[mra1]

Okay folks, may be I am just a pedant expecting a singular word for a singular solution - I will therefore put a plural answer to a singular clue!!! Many thanks All the best for to all for 2019!!!!!

[Mamyalynne]

If you are then we are - it reads wrong.

Merry Christmas Mra.x