Cryptic crossword clue
Sort of explosion shattered column in the back 13

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word THERMONUCLEAR

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Sort of explosion" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sort of explosion = thermonuclear.
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 THERMONUCLEAR mean?

THERMONUCLEAR adjective
  1. Of, or relating to the fusion of atomic nuclei at high temperatures.
  2. Of, or relating to the use of atomic weapons based on such fusion, especially as distinguished from those based on fission.

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