The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STRINGENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
R
I
N
G
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result STRINGENT
- Tight cord flexed when first pulled
- Uncompromising series on hospital department
- Tough line by hospital department
- Binding disc inside inserted tube
- Tight rope finishing off chap
- Tough line over one area of treatment
- Rigorous sequence connected with area of medicine
- Strict way to call hospital department
- Rigid line taken by hospital department
- File on hospital department is rigorous
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Binding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case binding = stringent.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 STRINGENT mean?
STRINGENT adjective- Strict; binding strongly; making strict requirements; restrictive; rigid; severe