Earl’s running to the light (5)
I believe the answer is:
laser
'the light' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'earl's running' is the wordplay.
'running' is an anagram indicator.
'earls' anagrammed gives 'LASER'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for laser that I've seen before include "Optical device producing an intense beam of light" , "Device producing an intense beam of light or radiation" , "type of surgery" , "Intense and concentrated beam of light" , "Beam (used in surgery)" .)