Crossword Genius

Denial from Number Ten, initially (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

not

'denial' is the definition.

'number ten initially' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'no' (abbreviation).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'ten' is 't'.
'no'+'t'='NOT'

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for not that I've seen before include "Having close-cut hair" , "logically, operation needed" , "Negatory word" , "In no way, never" , "Ton (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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