Crossword Genius

Desert sand (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strand

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

This clue might be a double definition.

'desert' is the first definition.
(I know that strand is a more specific form of the action desert)

'sand' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strand that I've seen before include "Beach - desert" , "Thread; leave in lurch" , "Scottish gutter" , "Run aground, beach" , "Maroon - bit of hair" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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