Gracious! The pan is warm! (7)

I believe the answer is:

cordial

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

'gracious the pan' is the wordplay.
'gracious' becomes 'cor' (both are exclamations of surprise).
'the pan' becomes 'dial' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'cor'+'dial'='CORDIAL'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cordial that I've seen before include "Affable type of sweet drink?" , "7 [HEARTY]" , "Hearty, affectionate" , "Warmly welcoming to the drink" , "Pleasant - soft drink" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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