What does the cryptic crossword clue "Figure sun on particles causes strain (8)" mean?

The definition is "strain". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). TEN (synonym="Figure") + S (abbreviation="sun") + IONS (synonym="particles") = TENSIONS; definition: "strain" The answer is TENSIONS.

Figure sun on particles causes strain (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29556 | 7 Down | 2024-12-03 flower

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