Crossword Genius

Knotty problem with load, starting from mid-morning (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nodal

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

'knotty' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'problem with load starting from mid-morning' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'load' is 'odal' which is present in the answer.
A single letter 'n' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nodal that I've seen before include "junction" , "On lad (anag.)" , "Like swelling" , "Knotty" , "At a critical point" .)

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