Crossword Genius

Colourant is an ingredient of vanilla (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

anil

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

'colourant' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'an ingredient of vanilla' is the wordplay.
'an ingredient of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ANIL' is hidden in the letters of 'vanilla'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for anil that I've seen before include "Colouring" , "Source of dye" , "A blue dye" , "Indian man" , "West Indian shrub, source of indigo" .)

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.