Is NIQAB a valid word?

NIQAB is a veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face, leaving the eyes visible. The word comes from Arabic, its plural is NIQABS, and the spelling NIQAAB (plural NIQAABS) is also valid. NIQAB is handy because the Q sits in the middle, after N and I and before A and B, so it can reach a bonus square in the center of a play. Its letters besides the Q are common, and the B adds three more points.

Before any bonus squares: N 1 + I 1 + Q 10 + A 1 + B 3 = 16. On a double-word square that's 32, on a triple-word 48, and every letter bonus under one of these tiles is applied first.

Later in the game, put the Q on a 3L square and NIQAB is worth 36 before any word bonus.

Place that one tile so it also forms a word in the other direction and both words score.

No other word in the list uses exactly the letters N, I, Q, A and B.

NIQAB is a veil that covers the face, worn by some Muslim women. Also spelled NIQAAB.

• Q without U

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