Crossword Genius

Describing the smallest note written by a learner (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minimal

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'describing the smallest' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'note written by a learner' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'minim' (type of musical note).
'written by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'minim'+'a'+'l'='MINIMAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minimal that I've seen before include "Token" , "Least possible; negligible" , "Very small, the least possible (7)" , "Of the least possible size" , "Of a smallest amount" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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