Crossword Genius

Canes made into inlaid steel (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damascene

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

'steel' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'canes made into inlaid' is the wordplay.
'made' indicates anagramming the letters.
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'inlaid' becomes 'dame' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'canes' anagrammed gives 'ascen'.
'ascen' inserted inside 'dame' is 'DAMASCENE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for damascene that I've seen before include "in Arab city" , "Syrian" , "Rich ornamentation on metal" , "Middle Eastern" , "Middle Easterner" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.