What does the cryptic crossword clue "Seabird requires total protection (ribbed support) (7)" mean?

The definition is "the breastbone". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). TERN (synonym="”Seabird”") in SUM (synonym="”total” around/protecting it") = STERNUM; definition: "the breastbone" The answer is STERNUM.

Seabird requires total protection (ribbed support) (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29487 | 2 Down | 2024-09-13 flower

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