The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SEAM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
E
A
M
More clues leading to the result SEAM
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Join" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case join = seam.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 SEAM mean?
SEAM noun- A folded-back and stitched piece of fabric; especially, the stitching that joins two or more pieces of fabric.
- A suture.
- A thin stratum, especially of an economically viable material such as coal or mineral.
- The stitched equatorial seam of a cricket ball; the sideways movement of a ball when it bounces on the seam.
- A joint formed by mating two separate sections of materials.
- A line or depression left by a cut or wound; a scar; a cicatrix.
- A line of junction; a joint.
- To put together with a seam.
- To make the appearance of a seam in, as in knitting a stocking; hence, to knit with a certain stitch, like that in such knitting.
- To mark with a seam or line; to scar.
- To crack open along a seam.
- Of the ball, to move sideways after bouncing on the seam.
- Of a bowler, to make the ball move thus.
- An old English measure of grain, containing eight bushels.
- An old English measure of glass, containing twenty-four weys of five pounds, or 120 pounds.
- Grease; tallow; lard