Crossword Genius

Get rid of a black sheen that phosphorus leaves (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abolish

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'get rid of' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for abolish that I've seen before include "Put an end to (something)" , "Put an end to, cancel" , "Put an end to (custom)" , "Annul - expunge" , "ditch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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