Crossword Genius

Religious rite in river is working (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

functional

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

'religious rite in river' is the wordplay.
'religious rite' becomes 'unction'.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'river' becomes 'fal' (Cornish river).
'unction' going within 'fal' is 'FUNCTIONAL'.

(Another definition for functional that I've seen is " Running".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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