Crossword Genius

Informant is safely conveying part of log (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mantissa

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

'log' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'informant is safely conveying part' is the wordplay.
'part' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'MANTISSA' is hidden in the letters of 'informant is safely conveying'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mantissa that I've seen before include "Fractional part of logarithm" , "Part of log" , "Part of logarithm following decimal point" , "the end of logarithms!" , "Fraction of log" .)

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