Basic essential design for plates (6)

I believe the answer is:

staple

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'basic essential' is the definition.
'staple' can be an answer for 'essential' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not certain of the 'basic' bit.

'design for plates' is the wordplay.
'design for' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'designed for' mean this (letters re-designed)).
'plates' anagrammed gives 'STAPLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for staple that I've seen before include "Paper fastener found on plates" , "Important; paper fastener" , "Main - way to fasten paper" , "Principle - metal fastener" , "Fundamental" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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