Crossword Genius

Stop mutated mice becoming widespread (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endemic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'widespread' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'stop mutated mice' is the wordplay.
'stop' becomes 'end' (synonyms).
'mutated' is an anagram indicator.
'mice' with letters rearranged gives 'emic'.
'end'+'emic'='ENDEMIC'

'becoming' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for endemic that I've seen before include "Restricted to a certain area" , "(Of a disease) prevalent in a group or area" , "Prevalent in a district - dice men (anag)" , "Local (of disease)" , "Commonly found in particular place - may be disease" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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