This constitutes part of the search, as expected (5)
I believe the answer is:
chase
'this constitutes part' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'of the search as expected' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'CHASE' is hidden within 'search as expected'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for chase that I've seen before include "Hound" , "Engrave - hunt - pursue" , "Pursuit" , "Follow" , "Composed type accommodated in this" .)