Crossword Genius

Unusually large tank penetrated by tip of shell (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vast

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

'unusually large' is the definition.
'vast' can be an answer for 'large' (similar in meaning). I am not certain of the 'unusually' bit.

'tank penetrated by tip of shell' is the wordplay.
'tank' becomes 'vat' (type of container).
'penetrated by' indicates putting letters inside (I've seen this in other clues).
'tip of' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'shell' is 's'.
'vat' placed around 's' is 'VAST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vast that I've seen before include "'Huge, immense (4)'" , "Colossal" , "Huge, enormous" , "Astronomical" , "Unusually great" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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