Crossword Genius

Note lithe mountaineer (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

climber

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'mountaineer' is the definition.
(someone climbing mountains)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for climber that I've seen before include "Mountaineer" , "in the garden" , "Plant such as ivy" , "Edward Whymper, for example" , "Plant that grows up a support" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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