As eaten up in the stratosphere? (5)
I believe the answer is:
tarts
'as eaten up' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'the stratosphere?' is the wordplay.
'TARTS' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tarts that I've seen before include "Small open pies" , "cakes" , "Broads" , "women (that may be offensive)" , "Desserts" .)