Shortened dress leading to attempt to create instinctive amorous interaction (9)

Q: What does the cryptic crossword clue "Shortened dress leading to attempt to create instinctive amorous interaction (9)" mean?

The definition is "instinctive amorous interaction". The wordplay uses a deletion. CHEMIS (synonym="CHEMIS") + TRY (synonym="‘attempt’") = CHEMISTRY; definition: "instinctive amorous interaction" The answer is CHEMISTRY.

Guardian Cryptic #29012 | 5 Down | 2023-03-08 flower

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