Crossword Genius

Fused lead taking yonks to melt (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ankylosed

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

'fused' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'lead taking yonks to melt' is the wordplay.
'taking' says to put letters next to each other.
'to melt' indicates an anagram.
'lead'+'yonks'='leadyonks'
'leadyonks' anagrammed gives 'ANKYLOSED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app