Crossword Genius

A tasteful hospice - no useless house! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spice

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

'useless house' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'a tasteful hospice no' is the wordplay.
'SPICE' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spice that I've seen before include "Flavouring substance" , "Eg, turmeric" , "Something providing excitement" , "Eg, cinnamon" , "Pungent substance to flavour food" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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