Crossword Genius

Seaside device for drying hops, perhaps, in California (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coastal

'seaside' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'device for drying hops perhaps in california' is the wordplay.
'device for drying hops perhaps' becomes 'oast' (an oast is used for drying hops).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'california' becomes 'cal' (short for California).
'oast' going within 'cal' is 'COASTAL'.

(Other definitions for coastal that I've seen before include "of shoreline" , "Adjoining the sea" , "Bordering the sea" , "To do with ribs" , "near the seaside" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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