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Any thoughts as to the "expression" to be written under the grid? The obvious answer is a single letter, but this seems unsatisfactory as it already appears as a clue. Furthermore, there seems to be no single, exact definition of the highlighted item. And could someone please explain the wordplay in 38 Across?

38 A, District's backed endless veg imports on business (5)
Zonal.

Veg is Laze
Endless veg is Laz
Backed gives Zal
in business is On
Imports means to put the On inside Laz, so Z on al.

When I did some research (ie looked up Wkipedia), I saw there was a formula-type definition for the highlighted word. I liked the single letter too, but opted for the former.

Please ignore my last sentence; I've just seen the answer. Very cunning misdirection!

Too late!

Sorry Malone, I wasn't quick enough to save you the bother of explaining. As to the "expression", if you are thinking of chemistry, does it count as a "similar expression"? It's not algebraic, is it?

The preamble says 'the ten "algebraic' clues' - so this includes the singularly lettered x,y and z. If those are 'expressions'....

I've been wondering the same as prospect7, as have users on Answerbank. No answers are forthcoming.

Yet another slightly unsatisfactory/ambiguous Inquisitor.