The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CALIBRATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
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More clues leading to the result CALIBRATE
- Jumping bail, in case judge factors in readings
- Mark positions of a sign in ground etc
- Graduate dumps case outside a library briefly
- Balance cleat I fixed
- Graduate - balance in short supply
- Mark of a politician who's boxed in
- Graduate student engaged in analysis of bacteria
- Precisely adjust scales kept in animal exhibit’s front
- Graduate makes a case, penning short excuse
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "judge factors in readings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case judge factors in readings = calibrate.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 CALIBRATE mean?
CALIBRATE verb- To check or adjust by comparison with a standard.
- To mark the scale of a measuring instrument.
- To measure the caliber of a tube or gun.