Crossword Genius

Functional uniform with fur (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usable

'functional' is the definition.
(having a use)

'uniform with fur' is the wordplay.
'uniform' becomes 'U' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'fur' becomes 'sable' (sable is a kind of fur).
'u'+'sable'='USABLE'

(Other definitions for usable that I've seen before include "Functional, operational" , "Not vain, presumably" , "Fit for employment" , "Fit for service" , "Of potential utility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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