Intermittently scrubbed campus dens, alcoves (5)
I believe the answer is:
apses
This clue could be a double definition.
'intermittently scrubbed campus dens' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'alcoves' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for apses that I've seen before include "Does 'e pass these in churches?" , "Domed areas in churches" , "Domed areas in church, usually where the altar is" , "Domed areas in church, usually where the altars are" , "Parts of church" .)