The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word AIRBRUSH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
I
R
B
R
U
S
H
More clues leading to the result AIRBRUSH
- Doctor photographs strain and graze
- Spray that, it’s commonly said, can smooth your locks
- Model rubs hair and gets spray
- Song book with which rockers from 12 improve image
- Bit of a fox on song as features editor
- Broadcast skirmish, or
- Perfect game concealed by bank, hard to improve image
- Make prettier grooming instrument in Bow
- Artistic device that goes to Cockney’s head?
- Overlook in accounts numberless Irn-Brus pinched in a hotel
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Doctor photographs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case doctor photographs = airbrush.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 AIRBRUSH mean?
AIRBRUSH noun- A miniature, handheld paint sprayer, powered by compressed air or other gas, used for delicate, artistic painting, or sometimes retouching of photographs.
- To paint using an airbrush.
- To touch up or enhance a photograph or person, often with intent to mislead.