Crossword Genius

Apparatus for bringing up matter literally making medic nervous? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dredge

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

'apparatus for bringing up matter literally' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'medic nervous?' is the wordplay.
'medic' becomes 'dr' (doctor).
'nervous?' becomes 'edge' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dr'+'edge'='DREDGE'

'making' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dredge that I've seen before include "Remove mud from a riverbed" , "dragnet" , "Scour (riverbed); sprinkle with sugar" , "Remove earth from under water" , "River-bed clearer" .)

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