Crossword Genius

I pine for perfection (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ideal

'for perfection' is the definition.
(in the ideal or perfect form)

'i pine' is the wordplay.
'pine' becomes 'deal' (deal can mean wood as a building material).
'i'+'deal'='IDEAL'

(Other definitions for ideal that I've seen before include "Cutting/stabbing weapons" , "Perfect; visionary" , "fanciful" , "without a flaw" , "Coal-mining waste" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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