Least sheltered area in French port (6)

I believe the answer is:

barest

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'least' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'sheltered area in french port' is the wordplay.
'sheltered area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'sheltered' bit.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'french port' becomes 'brest' (port city in Brittany).
'a' going within 'brest' is 'BAREST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for barest that I've seen is " Merest".)

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