Starchy ingredient of Xmas pudding (4)
I believe the answer is:
spud
'starchy ingredient' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'of xmas pudding' is the wordplay.
'of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'SPUD' is hidden in the letters of 'xmas pudding'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spud that I've seen before include "Starchy bit of food" , "short, stocky person" , "veg" , "The common potato" , "King Edward, e.g." .)