The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SUBSTRATA
S
U
B
S
T
R
A
T
A
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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 SUBSTRATA mean?
SUBSTRATA noun- A layer that lies underneath another.
- The underlying cause or basis of something.
- A substrate.