Crossword Genius

Aunt boils muddy washing (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ablutions

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'aunt boils muddy washing' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'aunt boils muddy washing' is the wordplay.
'aunt boils' anagrams to 'ABLUTIONS'.
However, I'm not clear how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ablutions that I've seen before include "The act of washing" , "wash and brush-up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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