Cryptic crossword clue
It currently controls rose that is rambling 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
H
E
O
S
T
A
T


Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "It currently controls" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it currently controls = rheostat.
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 RHEOSTAT mean?

RHEOSTAT noun
  1. An electrical resistor, with two terminals, whose resistance is continuously variable by moving a knob or slider.

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