Crossword Genius

Blemishes in Occidental cultural matters (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

warts

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'blemishes' is the definition.
(wart is a kind of blemish)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for warts that I've seen before include "feature prominently on 12,14 across [UGLY SISTERS]" , "unwanted lumps" , "Skin growths" , "Verrucas" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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