Cryptic crossword clue
Lead — a radioactive element? Not lead, it’s a metallic element 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
V
A
N
A
D
I
U
M

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "a metallic element" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a metallic element = vanadium.
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 VANADIUM mean?

VANADIUM noun
  1. A chemical element (symbol V) with atomic number 23; it is a transition metal, used in the production of special steels.
  2. A single atom of this element.

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