The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MULTIPLEX
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "cinema" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cinema = multiplex.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 MULTIPLEX mean?
MULTIPLEX noun- A building or a place where several activities occur in multiple units concurrently or different times.
- (by extension) A large cinema complex comprising many (typically more than five, and often over ten) movie theatres or houses.
- Throwing motion where more than one ball is thrown with one hand at the same time.
- To interleave several activities.
- To combine several signals into one.
- To convert (a cinema business) into a large complex, or multiplex.
- (juggling) To make a multiplex throw.
- Comprising several interleaved parts.
- Having petals lying in folds over each other.
- Having multiple members with a particular condition.