Crossword Genius

Length of metal, tungsten, about to carry current (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wire

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

'length of metal' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'tungsten about to carry current' is the wordplay.
'tungsten' becomes 'W' (W is the chemical symbol for tungsten).
'about' becomes 're' (regarding).
'to carry' is an insertion indicator.
'current' becomes 'I' (physics symbol).
'w'+'re'='wre'
'wre' going around 'i' is 'WIRE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wire that I've seen before include "Telegram about the fencing material" , "Drawn-out metal" , "Flex" , "Thin metal thread" , "Electrical connector" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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