The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MICROCOSM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
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More clues leading to the result MICROCOSM
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "small version /small version" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case small version /small version = microcosm.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 MICROCOSM mean?
MICROCOSM noun- Human nature or the human body as representative of the wider universe; man considered as a miniature counterpart of divine or universal nature.
- The human body; a person.
- A smaller system which is seen as representative of a larger one.
- A small natural ecosystem; an artificial ecosystem set up as an experimental model.