Crossword Genius

A clinging female? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ivy

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'female?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ivy that I've seen before include "Four-year" , "Girl" , "With holly, it's seasonally decorative" , "Hedera helix" , "Climbing-plant" .)

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