Bearing the right number (5)

I believe the answer is:

ether

'number' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'bearing the right' is the wordplay.
'bearing' becomes 'e'.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'e'+'the'+'r'='ETHER'

(Other definitions for ether that I've seen before include "Imaginary interstellar medium" , "An early anaesthetic" , "Old anaesthetic -- three (anag)" , "Highly flammable liquid once used as an anaesthetic" , "Light liquid used as anaesthetic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Guardian.

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