Vessel linings close after latest temperature’s dropped (7)
I believe the answer is:
intimae
'vessel linings' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for intimae that I've seen before include "organ parts" , "lining of arteries" , "Inner membranes of blood vessels" .)