My first is a creature whose breeding is unclear. My second, a price you must pay. My whole can be found in the river of Time and refers to events of today. What am I?

This clever word puzzle plays on the multiple meanings of a single word. The first part, "a creature whose breeding is unclear," points to "cur," a term often used for a dog of mixed or unknown parentage. Following this, "a price you must pay" directly refers to "rent," the payment made for the use of something, typically property. Combining these two elements, "cur" and "rent," gives us the complete word.

The final clue, "My whole can be found in the river of Time and refers to events of today," perfectly encapsulates the full meaning. A "current" is the flow of water in a river, directly linking to the "river of Time." Furthermore, when we speak of "current events" or the "current day," we are referring to what is happening right now, aligning with "events of today."

The word "current" itself has a rich history, stemming from the Latin word "currere," meaning "to run." This origin beautifully connects to the idea of a flowing river and the continuous progression of time. Whether describing the movement of water, the flow of electricity, or the present moment, "current" consistently conveys a sense of ongoing motion or immediate relevance. Its versatility makes it a fascinating example of how language can capture complex ideas through simple terms.