Meticulous attention (4)
I believe the answer is:
care
'meticulous attention' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for care that I've seen before include "Attention - caution U protection" , "The provision of what's necessary, for health say" , "Have concern or regard" , "Have affection (for)" , "Protective custody" .)