Crossword Genius

Complex numeral for dreamed-up aneasthetist (9,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

imaginary number

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

'complex' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'numeral for dreamed-up aneasthetist' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'numeral' could be 'number' (synonyms) and 'number' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'imaginary' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for imaginary number that I've seen is " In another case, I may get".)

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