Crossword Genius

Global game involves a lot of green stuff (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alga

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'green stuff' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'global game involves a lot' is the wordplay.
'a lot' says the answer is hidden in the clue (a lot of the letters from the clue).
'ALGA' can be found hidden inside 'global game involves'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alga that I've seen before include "Possibly tangle" , "Irish moss, for example" , "Simple, non-flowering, aquatic plant" , "Water plant with no stem or leaves" , "nuisance on the beach?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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