Crossword Genius

Dots and marks in the backing help pits to merge (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stipple

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

'merge' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'dots and marks in the backing help pits' is the wordplay.
'STIPPLE' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stipple that I've seen before include "Speckle" , "Apply paint in dabs" , "dotty effect" , "Paint, producing a mottled effect" , "Dot" .)

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