The gradients exceptionally relieved of bends (12)

I believe the answer is:

straightened

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'relieved of bends' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'the gradients exceptionally' is the wordplay.
'exceptionally' is an anagram indicator.
'the'+'gradients'='thegradients'
'thegradients' with letters rearranged gives 'STRAIGHTENED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for straightened that I've seen is " Put in order".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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