The term 'connecting word' can be defined as a word that links two parts of a sentence or phrase together. In this crossword, the solutions to the clues are VIA (3 letters), NOR (3 letters), AND (3 letters), AND STAIRS (6 letters). All of these words can be used as connecting words in different contexts. For example, VIA is often used to indicate a route or means of transportation, NOR is used to introduce a negative statement, AND is used to join two phrases together, AND STAIRS is used to indicate a physical connection between two levels.