Crossword Genius

Crystal read finally — aim with special procedure (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dendrite

'crystal' is the definition.
(I know that dendrite is a type of crystal)

'read finally aim with special procedure' is the wordplay.
'finally' says to take the final letters.
'aim' becomes 'end' (both can mean a goal or purpose).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'special procedure' becomes 'rite' (eg rites in a church).
The last letter of 'read' is 'd'.
'd'+'end'+'rite'='DENDRITE'

(Other definitions for dendrite that I've seen before include "Crystalline tree-like structure" , "Dried net of the nerve fibre" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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