Crossword Genius

Severe medic in wooded area, going backwards (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sternforemost

'going backwards' is the definition.
(nautical term)

'severe medic in wooded area' is the wordplay.
'severe' becomes 'stern' (I've seen this before).
'medic' becomes 'mo' (medical officer).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'wooded area' becomes 'forest' (large wood).
'mo' put within 'forest' is 'foremost'.
'stern'+'foremost'='STERNFOREMOST'

(Another definition for sternforemost that I've seen is " Back at sea".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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