Like figures on watch, perhaps (6)

I believe the answer is:

arabic

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'like' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are adjectives, I don't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arabic that I've seen before include "Major language of Middle East" , "Language (of numbers)" , "connected with gum" , "Semitic language" , "Official language of Egypt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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