Crossword Genius

Dim piece could produce widespread complaint (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

epidemic

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

'widespread complaint' is the definition.
'epidemic' can be an answer for 'complaint' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'widespread' bit.

'dim piece could produce' is the wordplay.
'could produce' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'dim'+'piece'='dimpiece'
'dimpiece' anagrammed gives 'EPIDEMIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for epidemic that I've seen before include "Widespread outbreak of an infectious disease" , "Unfortunately widespread" , "Widespread occurrence of a disease" , "medical emergency" , "Fast food item" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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