The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word AMIDE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
M
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The cryptic/wordplay part
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Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AMIDE mean?
AMIDE noun- Any derivative of an oxoacid in which the hydroxyl group has been replaced with an amino or substituted amino group; especially such derivatives of a carboxylic acid, the carboxamides or acid amides
- Any ionic derivative of ammonia in which a hydrogen atom has been replaced with a metal cation (R-NH- or R2N-)