Crossword Genius

Nothing like exists in spring (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oasis

'spring' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'nothing like exists' is the wordplay.
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'like' becomes 'as'.
'exists' becomes 'is' (if something 'is', it exists).
'o'+'as'+'is'='OASIS'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for oasis that I've seen before include "Fertile tract in a desert" , "Spring of fresh water in a desert" , "Fertile place like waterhole in desert" , "Peaceful area away from trouble" , "Place of peace" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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