Crossword Genius

Shows rank subservience (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

salutes

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'shows' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for salutes that I've seen before include "Brief inspection" , "Military greetings" , "Greets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Telegraph.
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