Crossword Genius

Minor argument at university linked to leading academic employed in the kitchen (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spatula

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'employed in the kitchen' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'minor argument at university linked to leading academic' is the wordplay.
'minor argument' becomes 'spat' (I've seen this before).
'at' says to put letters next to each other.
'university' becomes 'u'.
'linked to' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'leading academic' becomes 'la' (this might be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'spat'+'u'+'la'='SPATULA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spatula that I've seen before include "Paul sat (anag)" , "Tool with broad flexible blade, found in kitchen" , "Implement with broad blunt and often flexible blade" , "Flattened spoon" , "Food turner with flexible blade" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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