Crossword Genius

Heavenly females with many functions (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

muses

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'heavenly females' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'with many functions' is the wordplay.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'many' becomes 'm' (Roman numeral for a thousand).
'functions' becomes 'uses' ('use' can be a synonym of 'function').
'm'+'uses' is 'MUSES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for muses that I've seen before include "Nine goddesses of the liberal arts" , "Ponders with goddesses of the arts" , "In Greek and Roman myth, nine goddesses of the arts" , "Contemplates" , "Nine goddesses who presided over learning and the arts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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