The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word INVENTOR
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
I
N
V
E
N
T
O
R
More clues leading to the result INVENTOR
- One originating at Isle of Wight resort lacking second name
- Popular release by old Republican author
- Working in TV, one gets close to Inspector Morse?
- Author in shortened list
- 16 Singer’s one popular opening opera routine, just starting
- Where some Vectian folk may be found leaving out note for artificer?
- Author in IOW resort dropping second name
- Clever sort
- Creator of new design put hole in wrought iron
- Designer catalogue abridged
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "in IOW town, with no second name (8)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in iow town, with no second name (8) = inventor.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 INVENTOR mean?
INVENTOR noun- One who invents, either as a hobby or as an occupation.