Crossword Genius

Trunk and spreading roots (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

torso

'trunk' is the definition.
('torso' can be a synonym of 'trunk')

'spreading roots' is the wordplay.
'spreading' is an anagram indicator.
'roots' is an anagram of 'TORSO'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for torso that I've seen before include "Trunk of human body" , "Main part of human body" , "Piece of bronze" , "Chest" , "Roost (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app