Crossword Genius

Greek character, a little bit like some helium (5,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alpha particle

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'some helium' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'greek character a little bit' is the wordplay.
'greek character' becomes 'alpha' (letter from the Greek alphabet).
'a little bit' becomes 'particle' (I've seen this in another clue).
'alpha'+'particle'='ALPHA PARTICLE'

'like' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for alpha particle that I've seen is " Helium nucleus emitted by radioactivity".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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