The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word EXTRACTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
X
T
R
A
C
T
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "cuttings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cuttings = extracts.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 EXTRACTS mean?
EXTRACTS noun- Something that is extracted or drawn out.
- A portion of a book or document, incorporated distinctly in another work; a citation; a quotation.
- A decoction, solution, or infusion made by drawing out from any substance that which gives it its essential and characteristic virtue
- Any substance extracted is such a way, and characteristic of that from which it is obtained
- A solid preparation obtained by evaporating a solution of a drug, etc., or the fresh juice of a plant (distinguished from an abstract).
- A peculiar principle (fundamental essence) once erroneously supposed to form the basis of all vegetable extracts.
- Ancestry; descent.
- A draft or copy of writing; a certified copy of the proceedings in an action and the judgment therein, with an order for execution.
- To draw out; to pull out; to remove forcibly from a fixed position, as by traction or suction, etc.
- To withdraw by expression, distillation, or other mechanical or chemical process. Compare abstract (transitive verb).
- To take by selection; to choose out; to cite or quote, as a passage from a book.
- To select parts of a whole
- To determine (a root of a number).