Crossword Genius

A magpie, for example, heard devouring small cuckoo (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absurd

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'heard devouring small cuckoo' is the definition.
The answer and definition are not the same part of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can occasionally mean the same thing.

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(Other definitions for absurd that I've seen before include "Ridiculous, quite nonsensical" , "Ridiculous, ludicrous" , "Incredible" , "Ludicrous, silly" , "Derisory, preposterous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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