A feature of singular weather (7)

I believe the answer is:

element

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'a feature' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for element that I've seen before include "that's used in heating" , "An abstract part of something" , "Wire in electric fire" , "Singular ingredient" , "lead, for example" .)

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

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