Delay decay in tree business graduate imported (6)
I believe the answer is:
embalm
'delay decay' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'tree business graduate imported' is the wordplay.
'tree' becomes 'elm' (elm tree is a kind of tree).
'business graduate' becomes 'MBA' (Master of Business Administration degree).
'imported' indicates putting letters inside.
'elm' placed around 'mba' is 'EMBALM'.
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for embalm that I've seen before include "Preserve body, mummify" , "Prepare for burial" , "Preserve from decay in death with chemicals" , "Prepare corpse for preservation (6)" , "Treat corpse with preservatives" .)