Crossword Genius

Subtle quality of a second artist on the rise (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aroma

'subtle quality' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a second artist on the rise' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 'mo' (both are short periods of time).
'artist' becomes 'RA' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'on the rise' says the letters should be written in reverse (in a down clue, letters go up).
'a'+'mo'+'ra'='amora'
'amora' back-to-front is 'AROMA'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for aroma that I've seen before include "Pervasive atmosphere" , "Fragrance of spices" , "Distinctive odour" , "Agreeable odour" , "Test of knowledge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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