Crossword Genius

Doctor works with unknown fluid problem (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dropsy

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

'fluid problem' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'doctor works with unknown' is the wordplay.
'doctor' becomes 'Dr' (abbreviation).
'works' becomes 'ops' (op is short for opus, a work).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'unknown' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'dr'+'ops'+'y'='DROPSY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dropsy that I've seen before include "Accumulation of fluid in a part of the body - oedema" , "medical condition" , "illness" , "Oedema (old name)" , "fluid build-up" .)

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.