The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SERE
S
E
R
E
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The straight part
We know that "Dry" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dry = sere.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 SERE mean?
SERE adjective- Without moisture; dry.
- Of fabrics: threadbare, worn out.
- A natural succession of animal or plant communities in an ecosystem, especially a series of communities succeeding one another from the time a habitat is unoccupied to the point when a climax community is achieved.
- A claw, a talon.
- Individual, separate, set apart.
- Different; diverse.