Copy or trim it a tenth - or part thereof (7)

I believe the answer is:

imitate

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'copy' is the definition.
(I know that imitate is a type of copy)

'trim it a tenth or part thereof' is the wordplay.
'IMITATE' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

'or' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for imitate that I've seen before include "Copy, simulate" , "I tame it to copy it" , "Reproduce" , "Appear like, in behaviour or appearance" , "Copy someone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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