Crossword Genius

Odd way to leave mountains (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

range

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'odd way to leave mountains' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'way to leave mountains' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 's' (Compass direction - South).
'to leave' is a deletion indicator.
'mountains' becomes 'ranges' (mountain ranges).
'ranges' with 's' taken away is 'RANGE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for range that I've seen before include "Mountain stretch" , "Array" , "Place to practise driving" , "Aga or mountain, perhaps?" , "Extent - cooker" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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