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It came from outer space and tore ‘em to shreds! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meteor

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'it came from outer space' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'tore 'em to shreds' is the wordplay.
'to shreds' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'shredded' mean this).
'tore'+'em'='toreem'
'toreem' is an anagram of 'METEOR'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meteor that I've seen before include "Glowing heavenly body" , "extraterrestrial debris" , "Component of shower" , "A space-traveller" , "streaker?" .)

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