What does the cryptic crossword clue "Unusual pieces placed in practical engineering, maybe (7,7)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of PIECES + PLACED + IN = APPLIEDSCIENCE The answer is APPLIEDSCIENCE.

Unusual pieces placed in practical engineering, maybe (7,7)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17158 | 6 Across | 2023-08-08 flower