Crossword Genius

With difficulty pick up area in depression (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

glean

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'with difficulty pick up area in depression' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'up area in depression' is the wordplay.
'up area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'up' bit.).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'depression' becomes 'glen' (glen is a kind of depression).
'a' going inside 'glen' is 'GLEAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for glean that I've seen before include "Gather; collect gradually" , "Angle (anag.)" , "Collect gradually (from various sources)" , "Pick up (information)" , "Gather remnants of corn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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