Male factor, a reddish colour (7)

I believe the answer is:

magenta

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

'reddish colour' is the definition.
'magenta' can be an answer for 'colour' (magenta is a shade of purple). I'm not sure about the 'reddish' bit.

'male factor a' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'factor' becomes 'agent' (I've seen this in another clue).
'm'+'agent'+'a'='MAGENTA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for magenta that I've seen before include "Shade of purple" , "Reddish purple" , "Purplish-red - battle" , "Bright purplish red or magnate" , "A crimson dye" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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