Crossword Genius

Wood, equally hard (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ash

'wood' is the definition.
(wood from an ash tree)

'equally hard' is the wordplay.
'equally' becomes 'as' (synonyms).
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'as'+'h'='ASH'

(Other definitions for ash that I've seen before include "Oleaceous tree" , "Common tree" , "Silvery-grey" , "-- Wednesday" , "Fire's remains" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Independent.
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