Crossword Genius

Spots in semicolon withdrawn (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loci

'spots' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'in semicolon withdrawn' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'withdrawn' is a reversal indicator.
'icol' is hidden within 'semicolon'.
'icol' backwards is 'LOCI'.

(Other definitions for loci that I've seen before include "Particular places" , "Points where something occurs; coil (anag.)" , "Particular positions" , "sites" , "locations" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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