Crossword Genius

Effluvium uses needles in return (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stink

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'effluvium' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'uses needles in return' is the wordplay.
'uses needles' becomes 'knits' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in return' is a reversal indicator (return can mean to go backwards).
'knits' reversed gives 'STINK'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stink that I've seen before include "Stench" , "Foul smell" , "Pong" , "Smell - great fuss caused" , "song and dance" .)

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