The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word DISTILLATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DISTILLATE mean?
DISTILLATE noun- The liquid that has been condensed from vapour during distillation; normally a purified form or a fraction of an original liquid.
- (by extension) The essence of something.
- Diesel fuel.