Crossword Genius

La mer, most disturbed here? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maelstrom

'here?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'la mer most disturbed' is the wordplay.
'disturbed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'la'+'mer'+'most'='lamermost'
'lamermost' with letters rearranged gives 'MAELSTROM'.

(Other definitions for maelstrom that I've seen before include "great confusion" , "Whirlpool, turmoil" , "Strong circular current of water" , "violent upheaval" , "danger to shipping" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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