Cryptic crossword clue
It could make comet red, disintegrating outer layer? 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
E
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "outer layer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case outer layer = ectoderm.
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 ECTODERM mean?

ECTODERM noun
  1. Outermost of the three tissue layers in the embryo of a metazoan animal. Through development, it will produce the epidermis (skin) and nervous system of the adult.

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