Crossword Genius

Copper embraced by tipsy Freddie? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mercury

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'freddie?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'copper embraced by tipsy' is the wordplay.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'embraced by' is an insertion indicator.
'tipsy' becomes 'merry' (I've seen this before).
'cu' put inside 'merry' is 'MERCURY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mercury that I've seen before include "Planet - rising with temperature?" , "Messenger of the Gods, or a chemical element" , "In Roman myth, the messenger of the gods" , "Element, symbol Hg" , "Metal liquid at room temperature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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