Crossword Genius

Earth shaded topless figure (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

umber

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

'earth shaded topless figure' is the definition.
'umber' can be an answer for 'earth' (earthy pigment). I'm not sure about the 'shaded topless figure' bit.

'topless figure' is the wordplay.
'topless' means to remove the first letter.
'figure' becomes 'number' (I've seen this before).
'number' with its first letter removed is 'UMBER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for umber that I've seen before include "Yellow-brown pigment" , "Natural colouring matter, dark brown" , "Yellowish-brown pigment" , "Usually dark brown mineral" , "Dark brown coloring matter" .)

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