Cryptic crossword clue
Functional study shows copper deposit in thick skin 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CALCULUS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Functional study" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case functional study = calculus.
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 CALCULUS mean?

CALCULUS noun
  1. Calculation; computation.
  2. Any formal system in which symbolic expressions are manipulated according to fixed rules.
  3. (often definite, the calculus) Differential calculus and integral calculus considered as a single subject; analysis.
  4. A stony concretion that forms in a bodily organ.
  5. Deposits of calcium phosphate salts on teeth.
  6. A decision-making method, especially one appropriate for a specialised realm.

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