What does the cryptic crossword clue "Powerful drug, strong etc working in 5 (9)" mean?

The definition is "Powerful". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). anagram of ETC (synonym="ETC") + FIVE (synonym="FIVE") + E (synonym="drug") + F (synonym="forte, strong") = EFFECTIVE; definition: "Powerful" The answer is EFFECTIVE.

Powerful drug, strong etc working in 5 (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29479 | 4 Down | 2024-09-04 flower

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