Crossword Genius

Stem or stalk pruned (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tube

'stem' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'stalk pruned' is the wordplay.
'stalk' becomes 'tuber' (tuber is a kind of stalk).
'pruned' means to remove the last letter.
'tuber' with its last letter taken off is 'TUBE'.

'or' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tube that I've seen before include "Pipe (with trains?)" , "Long, hollow cylinder" , "Pipe or hose" , "Cylindrical hollow conduit" , "London Underground or long cylinder" .)

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