Crossword Genius

Starts to use network in first year to get together with others (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unify

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'get together with others' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'starts to use network in first year' is the wordplay.
'starts to' suggests taking the first letters.
'year' becomes 'y'.
The initial letters of 'use network in first' is 'unif'.
'unif'+'y'='UNIFY'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for unify that I've seen before include "Form into a single group" , "Combine" , "Bring together" , "Make as one" , "Get together" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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