Crossword Genius

Pool perhaps by the empty cell (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gamete

'cell' is the definition.
(gamete is a kind of cell)

'pool perhaps by the empty' is the wordplay.
'pool perhaps' becomes 'game' (pool is a kind of game).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'the' with its centre taken out is 'te'.
'game'+'te'='GAMETE'

(Other definitions for gamete that I've seen before include "Reproductive unit" , "An egg or sperm cell" , "Egg-cell" , "Egg- or sperm-cell" , "Germ cell in reproduction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app