Crossword Genius

Is capable of modifying IT pad picked up in Avenue (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adaptive

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'is capable of modifying' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'it pad picked up in avenue' is the wordplay.
'picked up' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'avenue' becomes 'ave'.
'it'+'pad'='itpad'
'itpad' back-to-front is 'dapti'.
'dapti' placed into 'ave' is 'ADAPTIVE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adaptive that I've seen before include "That may well change" , "likely to be suitable" , "Pertaining to adjustment to new conditions" , "Able to become adjusted to suit new conditions" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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