The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word TRANSFORMS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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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 TRANSFORMS mean?
TRANSFORMS noun- An operation (often an integration) that converts one function into another.
- A function so produced.
- To change greatly the appearance or form of.
- To change the nature, condition or function of; to change in nature, disposition, heart, character, etc.; to convert.
- To subject to a transformation; to change into another form without altering the value.
- To subject to the action of a transformer.
- To subject (a cell) to transformation.
- To undergo a transformation; to change in appearance or character.