Crossword Genius

Heard Greek character briefly rushed to make revolutionary device (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rotor

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

'revolutionary device' is the definition.
'rotor' can be an answer for 'device' (rotor is a kind of device). I am not certain of the 'revolutionary' bit.

'heard greek character briefly rushed' is the wordplay.
'heard greek character' becomes 'ro' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'briefly' means to remove the last letter.
'rushed' becomes 'tore' (to tear around is to rush or run fast).
'tore' with its last letter removed is 'tor'.
'ro'+'tor'='ROTOR'

'to make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rotor that I've seen before include "one lifting chopper?" , "Rotating part of machine" , "Revolving mechanism" , "Revolving component" , "The machine part moves in a circle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app