Area clear and completely dry (4)

I believe the answer is:

arid

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'completely dry' is the definition.
'arid' can be an answer for 'dry' (similar in meaning). I'm not certain of the 'completely' bit.

'area clear' is the wordplay.
'area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation).
'clear' becomes 'rid' (synonyms).
'a'+'rid'='ARID'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arid that I've seen before include "water shortage?" , "Dry and sere" , "Drought-hit" , "Without much rainfall" , "Dry and withered" .)

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