XI Words: A Tiny but Mighty Corner of the Dictionary
XI is the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet, and in English it does double duty as both a word and a prefix. The standalone word XI (worth 9 points in Scrabble) is one of those must-know two-letter words that every serious player memorizes. Beyond XI itself, you'll find XIPHOID (the small cartilage at the bottom of your sternum) and XIS (the plural). That's about it for everyday use — this is one of the smallest word families in English.
What makes XI fascinating for word game players is its scoring efficiency. XI uses the X tile (8 points) in a two-letter word, which means you can drop it on a double or triple letter score and rack up serious points with minimal effort. Crossword constructors love XI too — it's a handy short fill when two crossing words need an X. If you see a crossword clue referencing Greek letters, XI is always a candidate, along with CHI, PHI, PSI, and PI.
Strategy note: Since XI words are so few, if your crossword has XI_ _ _ _ _, the answer is almost certainly XIPHOID. That kind of constraint actually makes solving easier. For other rare-letter starts, try words starting with Q or words starting with J. And for words that end with this Greek letter, check words ending in QI for similar exotica.
FAQ
Is XI a valid Scrabble word?
Yes. XI is accepted in both TWL (Tournament Word List) and SOWPODS dictionaries. It scores 9 points base (X=8, I=1) and is one of the most valuable two-letter words in the game. Pair it with other short plays near words ending in AX for maximum board coverage.
What does XIPHOID mean?
XIPHOID refers to the xiphoid process, a small pointed cartilage at the lower end of the sternum (breastbone). The word comes from Greek xiphos meaning "sword." It's the longest common word starting with XI and shows up occasionally in medical-themed crosswords. For more unusual word origins, explore words starting with PH, another Greek-derived pattern.