Crossword Genius

The main abode? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

houseboat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the main abode?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'the main abode?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is present in the answer.
'abode?' could be 'house' (I've seen this before) and 'house' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'boa' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for houseboat that I've seen before include "home to keep afloat" , "home secured by the bank" , "Dwelling" , "Floating abode" , "vessel" .)

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