Crossword Genius

Straighten out joint with doctor (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

comb

'straighten out' is the definition.
(combing is a kind of straightening out)

'joint with doctor' is the wordplay.
'joint' becomes 'co' (eg a co-leader is a joint leader).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'doctor' becomes 'MB' (Bachelor of Medicine).
'co'+'mb'='COMB'

(Other definitions for comb that I've seen before include "Toothed grooming implement" , "Crest on the head of some birds" , "Go over" , "Rummage through" , "Search methodically" .)

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