English clap most at play that shows spirit (9)
I believe the answer is:
ectoplasm
'shows spirit' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'english clap most at play' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'at play' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'clap'+'most'='clapmost'
'clapmost' is an anagram of 'ctoplasm'.
'e'+'ctoplasm'='ECTOPLASM'
'that' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ectoplasm that I've seen before include "Mediums extruded it" , "Supposed the matter" , "Material of manifested spirits" , "Substance given off during seance" , "Supposed material exuded by medium" .)