Cryptic crossword clue
Root vegetable loses half to decay 3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word ROT

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
O
T

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The straight part
We know that "decay" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case decay = rot.
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 ROT mean?

ROT noun
  1. The process of becoming rotten; putrefaction.
  2. Decaying matter.
  3. Any of several diseases in which breakdown of tissue occurs.
  4. Verbal nonsense.
ROT verb
  1. To suffer decomposition due to biological action, especially by fungi or bacteria.
  2. To decline in function or utility.
  3. To (cause to) deteriorate in any way, as in morals; to corrupt.
  4. To make putrid; to cause to be wholly or partially decomposed by natural processes.
  5. To spend a long period of time (in an unpleasant place).
  6. To expose, as flax, to a process of maceration, etc., for the purpose of separating the fiber; to ret.
  7. To talk nonsense.

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