Crossword Genius

Early number? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ether

'early number?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for ether that I've seen before include "Old anaesthetic -- three (anag)" , "There goes the anaesthetic" , "It could knock you out" , "The gas is there, oddly" , "Formerly an anaesthetic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Washington Post, the L.A. Times Daily and The New York Times.
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