Core component deleted from Android's top-level directory (4)
I believe the answer is:
root
'core' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'component deleted from android's top-level directory' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'level' could be 'o' (O level is an example) and 'o' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rot' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for root that I've seen before include "support" , "Origin - stem" , "Basic cause or origin" , "Part of plant drawing nutrients from soil" , "essential nature" .)