Crossword Genius

Root cut, following usual number of strokes (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

parsnip

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'root cut following usual number of strokes' is the definition.
'parsnip' can be an answer for 'root' (I have seen 'Edible root ' mean 'parsnip' so perhaps 'root' could also mean 'parsnip'). I'm not sure about the 'cut following usual number of strokes' bit.

'root cut following usual' is the wordplay.
'root cut' becomes 'snip' (snip means to cut. I am not sure about the 'root' bit.).
'following' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'usual' becomes 'par' (par is an average golf score).
'snip' after 'par' is 'PARSNIP'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for parsnip that I've seen before include "Pips ran oddly through the vegetable" , "Tapering vegetable" , "Type of root veg" , "Pale carrot-like vegetable" , "Spar pin (anag) - vegetable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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