The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SPREADING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
P
R
E
A
D
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G
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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 SPREADING mean?
SPREADING verb- To stretch out, open out (a material etc.) so that it more fully covers a given area of space.
- To extend (individual rays, limbs etc.); to stretch out in varying or opposing directions.
- To disperse, to scatter or distribute over a given area.
- To proliferate; to become more widely present, to be disseminated.
- To disseminate; to cause to proliferate, to make (something) widely known or present.
- To take up a larger area or space; to expand, be extended.
- To smear, to distribute in a thin layer.
- To cover (something) with a thin layer of some substance, as of butter.
- To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions.
- To open one’s legs, especially for sexual favours.
- The act by which something is spread.