The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ASTATINE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
S
T
A
T
I
N
E
More clues leading to the result ASTATINE
- At a country home being entertained
- Element found in a state
- At part of hospital taking drug for heart treatment
- At a function, having tasteless stuff to eat
- At one point a stone goes over
- At position in A&E wanting 6
- At home in a condition that is unstable
- At home in a country that is highly unstable
- Element in a couple of drugs
- Some contrast at inert entry in periodic table
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Element" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case element = astatine.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 ASTATINE mean?
ASTATINE noun- A highly radioactive chemical element (symbol At), one of the halogens, with atomic number 85.