Crossword Genius

Whitish spread to spread over American plates? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marmoreal

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

'whitish spread' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'spread over american plates?' is the wordplay.
'spread' becomes 'meal' (a spread of food).
'over' is an insertion indicator.
'american plates?' becomes 'armor' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'meal' placed around 'armor' is 'MARMOREAL'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for marmoreal that I've seen before include "of fine stone" , "stony cold" , "made of stone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app