Crossword Genius

Like certain items laid out, initially useless (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ovoid

'like certain items laid' is the definition.
(like eggs - eggs get laid)

'out initially useless' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
'useless' becomes 'void'.
The initial letter of 'out' is 'o'.
'o'+'void'='OVOID'

(Other definitions for ovoid that I've seen before include "Like Humpty-Dumpty" , "Rounded like an egg" , "Shaped like an egg" , "shaped like rugger ball?" , "like eggs!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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