Crossword Genius

3-D modelling a cryptic representation of rat? (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plastic art

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'3-d modelling' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'a cryptic representation of rat?' is the wordplay.
'a cryptic representation' becomes 'plastic' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'of' indicates anagramming the letters (the answer comes from or 'of' the letters).
'rat' anagrammed gives 'art'.
'plastic'+'art'='PLASTIC ART'

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I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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