Crossword Genius

Sap in cedar essentially drops (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drain

'sap' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cedar essentially drops' is the wordplay.
'essentially' indicates the central letters.
'drops' becomes 'rain' (drops of water).
The centre of 'cedar' is 'd'.
'd'+'rain'='DRAIN'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for drain that I've seen before include "Deprive gradually of strength or resources" , "See 11 dn" , "Draw off U sewer" , "Something using up resources" , "Culvert" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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