Crossword Genius

Basic recycled plates (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

staple

'basic' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'recycled plates' is the wordplay.
'recycled' indicates anagramming the letters.
'plates' with letters rearranged gives 'STAPLE'.

(Other definitions for staple that I've seen before include "security device" , "Important; paper fastener" , "essential" , "Paper pin for plates" , "Short U-shaped paper fastener" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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