Crossword Genius

Flexible part is missing from new operating table (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

negotiable

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

'flexible' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'part is missing from new operating table' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'part' could be 'ti' (ti is a kind of part) and 'ti' is present in the answer.
'from' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is present in the answer.
'new' could be 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament) and 'n' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for negotiable that I've seen before include "open to question" , "Open to discussion" , "What can be mutually arranged by agreement - legally transferable" , "Subject to bargaining" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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