Crossword Genius

Male in nude dancing in the centre of wood (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

duramen

'the centre of wood' is the definition.
(heartwood of a tree)

'male in nude dancing' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'ram' (male sheep).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'dancing' is an anagram indicator.
'nude' anagrammed gives 'duen'.
'ram' put inside 'duen' is 'DURAMEN'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for duramen that I've seen before include "Woody core" , "what lies behind the bark?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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