Crossword Genius

Animal's home lacks small piece of furniture (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

table

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

'piece of furniture' is the definition.
(table is a kind of piece of furniture)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for table that I've seen before include "Food; flat gem surface" , "Data arranged in rows and columns" , "Article of furniture - list of facts and figures" , "Flat board on legs" , "Slab" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app