Got better (9)
'got better' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for improved that I've seen before include "Made better in quality" , "Made progress" , "Made or got better" , "Became better" , "Grew or made better" .)
'got better' is the definition.
('recover' can be a synonym of 'get better')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for recovered that I've seen before include "Well now!" , "got back on his feet" , "Returned to health; got back" , "Did rally" , "Found again - recuperated" .)