Crossword Genius

Notice star left Nelson? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

admiral

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

'nelson?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'notice star left' is the wordplay.
'notice' becomes 'ad' (short for advert).
'star' becomes 'mira' (star in the constellation Cetus).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'ad'+'mira'+'l'='ADMIRAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for admiral that I've seen before include "Highest ranking naval officer" , "Blake, for one" , "Navy rank" , "Supreme naval commander" , "Eg, Nelson" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app