Crossword Genius

Reportedly track origin (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

root

'origin' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'reportedly track' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'track' becomes 'route' (I've seen this before).
'route' sounds like 'ROOT'.

(Other definitions for root that I've seen before include "Part of plant under the ground" , "Origin; carrot perhaps" , "burrow" , "Part of plant drawing nutrients from soil" , "Turn up with the snout." .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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