Crossword Genius

Metal unknown in Canada, at first (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

zinc

'metal' is the definition.
(zinc is a metal)

'unknown in canada at first' is the wordplay.
'unknown' becomes 'z' (algebra).
'at first' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'canada' is 'c'.
'z'+'in'+'c'='ZINC'

(Other definitions for zinc that I've seen before include "Sivery-white metal" , "Antioxidant element" , "White metallic element usedin alloys" , "Blusish-white lustrous metallic element" , "Anti-corrosion agent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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