Crossword Genius

Fruity type of girl in size nines, going by air (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clementine

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

'fruity type' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'girl in size nines going by air' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'girl' could be 'clementi' and 'clementi' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ne' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clementine that I've seen before include "my darling girl?" , "was loved by Churchill" , "suits citrus production" , "Citrus fruit" , "Unwell" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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