Getting graphite from pencil tip - a pain (8)
I believe the answer is:
plumbago
'getting graphite' is the definition.
'plumbago' can be an answer for 'graphite' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'getting' bit.
'pencil tip a pain' is the wordplay.
'pencil tip' becomes 'p' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'a pain' becomes 'lumbago' (lumbago is a kind of pain).
'p'+'lumbago'='PLUMBAGO'
'from' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plumbago that I've seen before include "Leadwort" , "Word for graphite" , "Evergreen shrub" , "Shrub; graphite" , "Blue-flowered plant" .)