Crossword Genius

A little heat coming through leather muffler (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

therm

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a little heat coming' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'through leather muffler' is the wordplay.
'through' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'THERM' is hidden in the letters of 'leather muffler'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for therm that I've seen before include "Former gas supply unit" , "Unit of heat as in gas supply" , "Amount of heat" , "it measures heat" , "Unit of heat used in the UK as the basis of gas bills" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.