The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TRADEMARK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
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More clues leading to the result TRADEMARK
- What currency dealer used to do is typical
- Backward arrow on e-book brand
- Label paintings put up on loan finally out of Denmark
- Signature works returned by country
- Characteristic craft revolutionised nameless country
- Unique device for returning culture to nameless country
- Custom to record The Simpsons, for example
- Characteristic conclusion of pundit with comment about commercial
- First of them comment having taken in ad’s distinguishing characteristic
- Characteristic rush to return eastern currency no longer in use
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Unique device" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case unique device = trademark.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 TRADEMARK mean?
TRADEMARK noun- A word, symbol, or phrase used to identify a particular company's product and differentiate it from other companies' products.
- Any proprietary business, product or service name.
- The aspect for which someone or something is best known; a hallmark or typical characteristic.
- To register something as a trademark.
- To so label a product.
- Distinctive, characteristic, signature