Creature with many feet and abnormal growth on display, at first (7)

I believe the answer is:

polypod

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'creature with many feet and abnormal' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'growth on display at first' is the wordplay.
'growth' becomes 'polyp' (polyp is a kind of growth).
'at first' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'on display' is 'od'.
'polyp'+'od'='POLYPOD'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.

Connecting...