Crossword Genius

Area covered by minister that gives power (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reactor

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'area covered by minister that gives power' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'area covered by minister' is the wordplay.
'area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation).
'covered by' is an insertion indicator.
'minister' becomes 'rector' (synonyms).
'a' put within 'rector' is 'REACTOR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reactor that I've seen before include "Nuclear power station core" , "Nuclear apparatus for producing energy" , "one hosting moderator?" , "Producer of nuclear energy" , "Producer of nuclear power" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
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