Crossword Genius

Reportedly compare tiny organisms (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lichen

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'tiny organisms' is the definition.
Although both the answer and 'organisms' are nouns, they are not in the same form of the noun.

'reportedly compare' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'compare' becomes 'liken' (synonyms).
'liken' is a homophone of 'LICHEN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lichen that I've seen before include "Growth found on tree trunks and rocks" , "Tiny plants found on rocks, tree-trunks etc" , "Tiny plants found on rocks and trees" , "Tiny plants growing on rocks and treetrunks" , "Small plants found on tree-trunks and stones" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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