Crossword Genius

Study what was formerly a bomb? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

examine

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

'study' is the definition.
(I know that study can be written as examine)

'was formerly a bomb?' is the wordplay.
'was formerly' becomes 'ex' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'formerly' bit.).
'bomb?' becomes 'mine' (I've seen this before).
'ex'+'a'+'mine'='EXAMINE'

'what' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for examine that I've seen before include "Analyse" , "Scrutinise, subject to test" , "Thoroughly inspect" , "Check" , "Inspect carefully" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.
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