Now ma, what are you? (5)
I believe the answer is:
woman
'are you?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'now ma' is the wordplay.
'now ma' anagrams to 'WOMAN'.
Though, I'm not sure how this is indicated.
'what' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for woman that I've seen before include "With 1a [NEW] a freedom fighter" , "Lady" , "See 16" , "Adult female" , "Mature female" .)