Crossword Genius

Male fish that was used in laundry (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mangle

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

'used in laundry' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'male fish' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'fish' becomes 'angle' (angle can mean to fish).
'm'+'angle'='MANGLE'

'that was' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mangle that I've seen before include "Squeeze" , "Old device for wringing clothes" , "Mutilate - clothes wringer" , "Squelchy washing squasher" , "Tear up" .)

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