Crossword Genius

Identify loose seat in car (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ascertain

'identify' is the definition.
(ascertain can mean to calculate or identify)

'loose seat in car' is the wordplay.
'loose' indicates an anagram (letters are loosened from their original positions).
'seat'+'in'+'car'='seatincar'
'seatincar' anagrammed gives 'ASCERTAIN'.

(Other definitions for ascertain that I've seen before include "Learn" , "Discover" , "settle" , "Become aware" , "Verify" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.