Crossword Genius

Basic spreading of dirty manure (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rudimentary

'basic' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'spreading of dirty manure' is the wordplay.
'spreading of' is an anagram indicator.
'dirty'+'manure'='dirtymanure'
'dirtymanure' is an anagram of 'RUDIMENTARY'.

(Other definitions for rudimentary that I've seen before include "Limited to basics" , "Immature" , "Undeveloped" , "Basic" , "in the early stages" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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