Crossword Genius

An air of sadness (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dirge

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This clue could be a double definition.

'an air' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'sadness' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dirge that I've seen before include "Dreary song" , "Elegy" , "Lamentation" , "feature of funeral" , "Funeral lament" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Telegraph.
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