Domestically useful piece of gutta-percha (3)
I believe the answer is:
tap
'domestically useful piece' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'of gutta-percha' is the wordplay.
'of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'TAP' is hidden in the letters of 'gutta percha'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tap that I've seen before include "Thread cutter; strike" , "Light stroke" , "One can be hot or cold?" , "Gentle stroke" , "Stopper enabling withdrawal of liquid" .)