Original rifts given new form (5)

I believe the answer is:

first

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'original' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'rifts given new form' is the wordplay.
'rifts' can be anagrammed to 'FIRST'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for first that I've seen before include "Coming before all others" , "second to none" , "Top degree class" , "Prime" , "See 1" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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