Crossword Genius

Dope and speed in compound (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nitrate

'compound' is the definition.
(nitrate is a kind of compound)

'dope and speed' is the wordplay.
'dope' becomes 'nit' (I've seen this in other clues).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'speed' becomes 'rate' (the speed at which something happens).
'nit'+'rate'='NITRATE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for nitrate that I've seen before include "Fertilizer" , "Tear tin up for fertiliser" , "Natural or synthetic fertiliser" , "Nattier (anag.)" , "salt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Times.
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