Cryptic crossword clue
Starts to reek, often turning smelly 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word ROTS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
O
T
S

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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 ROTS mean?

ROTS 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.
ROTS 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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