French polish made partly from melanin (4)
I believe the answer is:
'french polish' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'partly from melanin' is the wordplay.
'partly' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ELAN' can be found hidden inside 'from melanin'.
'made' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for elan that I've seen before include "Bounce" , "Stylish elegance" , "Dashing style" , "French flair" , "'Panache, flair (4)'" .)