Crossword Genius

Treated oxen parasite causing irritation (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exasperation

'irritation' is the definition.
(I know that exasperation is a type of irritation)

'treated oxen parasite' is the wordplay.
'treated' is an anagram indicator.
'oxen'+'parasite'='oxenparasite'
'oxenparasite' with letters rearranged gives 'EXASPERATION'.

'causing' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for exasperation that I've seen before include "Fury" , "Intense irritation" , "Disgruntlement" , "Annoyance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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