Crossword Genius

Non-acidic staple (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basic

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'staple' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for basic that I've seen before include "Fundamental, elementary" , "No-frills" , "Simple, unadorned" , "Without frills" , "Fundamental; alkaline" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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