The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word CROSS-SECTION
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "representative sample" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case representative sample = cross-section.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 CROSS-SECTION mean?
CROSS-SECTION noun- A section formed by a plane cutting through an object, usually at right angles to an axis.
- A sample meant to be representative of a whole population.
- The probability that a particular nuclear reaction will take place.