Cryptic crossword clue
The setter's penetrating clues cryptically shed light 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word LUMINESCE

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

The straight part
We know that "shed light" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shed light = luminesce.
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 LUMINESCE mean?

LUMINESCE verb
  1. To give off light, including in the invisible electromagnetic radiation frequencies, or become luminescent.

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