Crossword Genius

Third-degree deprivation of lustre (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gloss

'lustre' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'third-degree deprivation' is the wordplay.
'third-degree' becomes 'g' (3rd letter of 'degree').
'deprivation' becomes 'loss' (synonyms).
'g'+'loss'='GLOSS'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for gloss that I've seen before include "Very shiny finish" , "Polish - explanatory comment" , "Superficial appearance" , "Shiny type of paint" , "Render plausible" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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