Crossword Genius

Ace point to start complaint (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tinea

'complaint' is the definition.
(tinea is a kind of health problem)

'ace point to start' is the wordplay.
'ace' becomes 'a' (abbreviation).
'point' becomes 'tine' (I've seen this in other clues).
'to start' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a' put after 'tine' is 'TINEA'.

(Other definitions for tinea that I've seen before include "skin infection" , "clothes moth" , "Skin complaint" , "Ringworm" , "Skin disease caused by a fungus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.