Crossword Genius

Growth of college power (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

polyp

'growth' is the definition.
(I know that polyp is a type of growth)

'college power' is the wordplay.
'college' becomes 'poly' (polytechnic).
'power' becomes 'p' (symbol in physics).
'poly'+'p'='POLYP'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for polyp that I've seen before include "Coral form" , "Vascular growth" , "Minute reef-building creature" , "Sea creature; small growth" , "Small growth (medical)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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