Crossword Genius

Minimum energy during final (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

least

'minimum' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'energy during final' is the wordplay.
'energy' becomes 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mc2).
'during' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'final' becomes 'last' (synonyms).
'e' going within 'last' is 'LEAST'.

(Other definitions for least that I've seen before include "Of minimal significance" , "Smallest in amount or degree" , "Minimal amount" , "Smallest, slightest" , "Opposite of most" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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