Smoker deciphering formulae (8)
I believe the answer is:
fumarole
'smoker' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'deciphering formulae' is the wordplay.
'deciphering' is an anagram indicator.
'formulae' with letters rearranged gives 'FUMAROLE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fumarole that I've seen before include "Volcanic vent" , "Gas vent near volcano" .)