An additive used in hospices (5)
I believe the answer is:
spice
'an additive' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'in hospices' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'SPICE' is hidden in the letters of 'hospices'.
'used' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spice that I've seen before include "Something providing excitement" , "Pungent substance to flavour food" , "Aromatic flavouring" , "Flavouring substance" , "eg Mace, ginger, Posh" .)