Crossword Genius

Small item and the first nine letters returned (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

iota

'small item' is the definition.
(an iota is a tiny amount)

'the first nine letters returned' is the wordplay.
'the first nine letters' becomes 'atoi' (the letters A to I).
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'atoi' backwards is 'IOTA'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for iota that I've seen before include "Gk. letter; tiny amount" , "Tiniest scrap" , "Greek letter - small quantity" , "Ninth letter of Greek alphabet, small amount" , "Jot, particle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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