Cryptic crossword clue
Partly visible satellite found by doctor, perhaps, if not working 4-4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HALF-MOON

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Partly visible satellite" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case partly visible satellite = half-moon.
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 HALF-MOON mean?

HALF-MOON noun
  1. The moon in its first or last quarter when only half the visible face is illuminated; a quarter moon.
  2. Anything shaped like a crescent, especially the base of a fingernail.

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