The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CONGENER
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Akin" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case akin = congener.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 CONGENER mean?
CONGENER noun- A plant or animal of the same taxonomic genus as another.
- A person or thing similar in behavior or nature to another.
- Any of a group of structurally-related compounds.
- Any of several alcohols, other than ethanol, that are found in fermented and distilled alcoholic drinks, and are partially responsible for their flavour and character.