Crossword Genius

A cause of growing heatedness (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hotbed

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This could be a double definition.

'a cause' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'growing heatedness' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hotbed that I've seen before include "Place with ideal conditions for rapid growth" , "breeding-ground for problems" , "Place with ideal conditions for development" , "Scene of rapid growth, as of intrigue" , "Forced to grow up early in this" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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