Crossword Genius

Better way to get a new winding device (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

capstan

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

'device' is the definition.
(capstan is a kind of device)

'better way to get a new winding' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'better' could be 'cap' (I've seen this before) and 'cap' is found in the answer.
'way' could be 'st' (abbreviation for street) and 'st' is found within the answer.
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for capstan that I've seen before include "revolver" , "One used to wind" , "Cylinder for winding ropes/cables" , "item of winding gear" , "Dockside rope winder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.