The whole range or number a tug can hold (5)
I believe the answer is:
gamut
'the whole range' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'number a tug can hold' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'number' could be 'm' (M is an example) and 'm' is found within the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
an anagram of 'tug' is 'gut' which is located in the left over letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'or' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gamut that I've seen before include "Full range, compass" , "Full extent" , "Entire range" , "Full (emotional) range" , "Compass, scale" .)