The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SAWTOOTH
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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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 SAWTOOTH mean?
SAWTOOTH noun- (plural "sawteeth") A cutting bit of a saw.
- (plural "sawtooths") A sawtooth wave.
- (plural "sawtooths") Any of various pierid butterflies of the genus Prioneris.