Crossword Genius

First part of play has touching effect (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

action

'effect' is the definition.
(action can mean a chemical effect)

'first part of play has touching' is the wordplay.
'first part of play' becomes 'Act I' (Act 1 in a play).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'touching' becomes 'on'.
'acti'+'on'='ACTION'

(Other definitions for action that I've seen before include "It is said to speak louder than words" , "Take proceedings" , "Order to start shooting" , "Thing done; armed conflict" , "Operation - lawsuit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Guardian.
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