The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXPANSION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
E
X
P
A
N
S
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result EXPANSION
- Sienna pox disorder is spreading
- Old partner criticises one about getting fatter
- Former lover criticises one on increase in size
- Sign of something wrong in a pension — unusual growth
- Former partner criticises setter regarding development
- Unfolding clash in retreat about a pit behind the marked spot
- Unfurling late sweep, is rolling on
- Former lover knocks one leg, creating swelling
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "growth" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case growth = expansion.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 EXPANSION mean?
EXPANSION noun- The act or process of expanding.
- The fractional change in unit length per unit length per unit temperature change.
- A new addition.
- A product to be used with a previous product.
- That which is expanded; expanse; extended surface.
- (steam engines) The operation of steam in a cylinder after its communication with the boiler has been cut off, by which it continues to exert pressure upon the moving piston.