Crossword Genius

Sardonic agent eliminates resistance - it unites diverse elements (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ionic bond

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'it unites diverse elements' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'sardonic agent eliminates resistance' is the wordplay.
'sardonic' becomes 'ironic' (I've seen this before).
'agent' becomes 'bond' (James Bond).
'eliminates' suggests deleting specific letters.
'resistance' becomes 'r' (electronics abbreviation).
'ironic'+'bond'='ironicbond'
'ironicbond' with 'r' taken out is 'IONIC BOND'.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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