Crossword Genius

Spotted Edward's absence? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noted

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'spotted edward's absence?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'spotted edward's' is the wordplay.
'spotted' becomes 'not' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'edward' becomes 'Ed' (short for Edward).
'not'+'ed'='NOTED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noted that I've seen before include "Famous or eminent" , "Celebrated or recorded" , "Celebrated, eminent" , "Remarkable" , "Well known; registered" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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