Crossword Genius

Curious figures — and one unknown (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nosy

'curious' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'figures and one unknown' is the wordplay.
'figures' becomes 'nos' (no is short for number ie a figure).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'one unknown' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'nos'+'y'='NOSY'

(Other definitions for nosy that I've seen before include "Inclined to poke into other people's affairs" , "Over-inquisitive" , "Intrusive in nasal way" , "Showing too much curiosity about people's affairs" , "Inquisitive in nasal manner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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