Like deserts, several lacking sun (3)

I believe the answer is:

dry

'like deserts' is the definition.

'several lacking sun' is the wordplay.
'several' becomes 'sundry' (I've seen this before).
'lacking' is a deletion indicator.
'sundry' with 'sun' taken out is 'DRY'.

(Other definitions for dry that I've seen before include "Having given up drinking" , "Juiceless" , "Lacking moisture" , "(Of wine) not sweet" , "Formal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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