Crossword Genius

Hypothetical matter? I cope with gossip (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ideal gas

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'hypothetical matter?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'i cope with gossip' is the wordplay.
'cope with' becomes 'deal' (I've seen this in another clue).
'gossip' becomes 'gas' (I've seen this before).
'i'+'deal'+'gas'='IDEAL GAS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ideal gas that I've seen before include "Hypothetical element" , "Theoretical perfect fluid" , "Hypothetical fluid" , "that's chemically perfect?" , "Perfectly-behaving substance in chemistry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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