The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HALFTONES
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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 HALFTONES mean?
HALFTONES noun- Half the interval between two notes on a scale.
- A picture made by using the process of half-toning.
- An intermediate or middle tone in a painting, engraving, photograph, etc.; a middle tint, neither very dark nor very light.