Crossword Genius

Cultivate a habit in American English (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

use

'cultivate a habit' is the definition.
(as in using drugs and getting a drug habit)

'american english' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'us' (abbreviation for United States).
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'us'+'e'='USE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for use that I've seen before include "Application" , "Profit" , "Put into service, do something with" , "Milk" , "Expend in amusement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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