Crossword Genius

It's said to be the mother of invention (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

necessity

'it's said to be the mother of invention' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for necessity that I've seen before include "Requirement" , "Great need" , "Need, exigency" , "Something essential or indispensable" , "Prerequisite - poverty" .)

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