Crossword Genius

Search round old valley (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coomb

'valley' is the definition.
(I know that coomb is a type of valley)

'search round old' is the wordplay.
'search' becomes 'comb' (combing is a kind of searching).
'round' is an insertion indicator.
'old' becomes 'o' (abbreviation as in OT - Old Testament).
'comb' placed around 'o' is 'COOMB'.

(Other definitions for coomb that I've seen before include "Short valley or hollow" , "Hillside valley or hollow" , "Hollow on hill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app