Crossword Genius

Number cut by half, amount that can be ignored? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fig

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'number cut by half amount that can be ignored?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'number cut by half amount' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'five' (five is a kind of whole number).
'cut by half' indicates taking half.
'amount' becomes 'g' (G is an example).
'five' halved is 'fi'.
'fi'+'g'='FIG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fig that I've seen before include "Kind of tree in effigy" , "Tree whose leaf may conceal nudity" , "Fruit with lots of seeds" , "Tree whose leaf may cover nudity" , "Seed-packed fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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