Crossword Genius

They dread springs becoming dry (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dehydrate

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

'dry' is the definition.
(dehydrating is a kind of drying)

'they dread springs' is the wordplay.
'they dread' anagrams to 'DEHYDRATE'.
Though, I am not clear how the anagram is indicated.

'becoming' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dehydrate that I've seen before include "Remove moisture content from, dry out" , "Drain" , "Remove moisture from, make dry" , "Remove water from" , "Preserve by removing all liquid from" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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