Crossword Genius

Fine organic compound's gradually become bitter (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fester

'gradually become bitter' is the definition.
(fester can mean to gradually become rotten)

'fine organic compound's' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'organic compound' becomes 'ester' (ester is a kind of organic compound).
'f'+'ester'='FESTER'

(Other definitions for fester that I've seen before include "Become rotten, bitter or irritated" , "Ripen and generate pus" , "strange uncle" , "Of wound, become septic and filled with pus" , "Putrefy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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