The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word LING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
L
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result LING
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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 LING mean?
LING noun- Any of various marine food fish, of the genus Molva, resembling the cod.
- The common ling, Molva molva.
- Any of various varieties of heather or broom.
- Any of various marine food fish, of the genus Molva, resembling the cod.
- The common ling, Molva molva.
- Any of various varieties of heather or broom.
- The scientific study of language.