Crossword Genius

European uniform in range of colours, or part of one (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

epaulette

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'part of one' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'european uniform in range of colours' is the wordplay.
'european' becomes 'E' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'uniform' becomes 'U' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'range of colours' becomes 'palette' (I've seen this before).
'u' placed inside 'palette' is 'paulette'.
'e'+'paulette'='EPAULETTE'

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for epaulette that I've seen before include "Shoulder piece (mil.)" , "Flashing of the shoulder" , "Ornamental shoulder pad" , "rank stars here?" , "Old Major's decoration" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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