Tantalum, replacing sticky stuff (3)
I believe the answer is:
tar
'sticky stuff' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'tantalum replacing' is the wordplay.
'tantalum' becomes 'Ta' (Ta is the chemical symbol for tantalum).
'replacing' becomes 'r' (this could be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'ta'+'r'='TAR'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "One sails on sea" , "Black substance, used on roads" , "Black coat" , "Sailor; road surface" , "Road-dressing for a sailor?" .)