Crossword Genius

Whole triangle misshapen (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

integral

'whole' is the definition.
('integral' can be similar in meaning to 'whole')

'triangle misshapen' is the wordplay.
'misshapen' indicates an anagram.
'triangle' with letters rearranged gives 'INTEGRAL'.

(Other definitions for integral that I've seen before include "Of part necessary to the completeness of a whole" , "Built-in -- 1 across (anag)" , "United" , "form whole" , "Large tin (anag.)" .)

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